Pakistani Islamists March on Islamabad
Thousands of Pakistani supporters of the hardline Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) launched a mass march towards the country’s capital, Islamabad, on Saturday, following intense clashes with police during anti-Israel demonstrations in Lahore.
TLP Protest Escalates Into National March
The TLP began its protest movement on Thursday in Lahore, condemning what it described as an “unjust” ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States after two years of devastating conflict in Gaza.
What began as a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians quickly escalated into nationwide unrest after protesters clashed with law enforcement on Friday.
Witnesses reported that police resorted to baton charges and tear gas, while protesters hurled stones and blocked roads. The confrontations disrupted traffic and paralyzed parts of Lahore. Authorities later imposed mobile internet suspensions and deployed heavy security to prevent further escalation.
Police and Protesters Injured Amid Clashes
According to senior police officials, at least 50 officers sustained injuries in Friday’s violence. While TLP leaders alleged that some of their members had been killed, these claims have not been independently verified.
The chaos prompted authorities to place shipping containers and barricades across key entry points to Islamabad in anticipation of the marchers’ arrival. The capital, located approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) north of Lahore, has been placed under tight security measures.
Protesters Demand Solidarity, Not Negotiations
Speaking to reporters before setting off toward Islamabad, senior TLP leader Allama Muhammad Irfan insisted that the group had no political demands.
“We are marching to show solidarity with the people of Gaza,” Irfan said. “The government’s response has been brutal, and we are not in any negotiations with them.”
He added that the group’s aim was to highlight the suffering of Palestinians rather than challenge Pakistan’s own policies.
Government Vows to Block the March
Pakistan’s Deputy Interior Minister, Tallal Chaudry, responded firmly to the unrest, stating that the government would not allow protesters to enter Islamabad under any circumstances.
“There is no room for radical activity in the capital,” Chaudry declared during a press conference. “If the ceasefire agreement is acceptable to Hamas and Palestine, why should it be unacceptable to you?”
Security forces have been placed on high alert in the capital, and the government has warned that any attempt to breach the barricades will be met with legal consequences.
Ceasefire Sparks Divisions Within Pakistan
The current wave of protests stems from opposition to the US-mediated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The truce, announced earlier this week, led to an immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops and allowed tens of thousands of Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes in Gaza.
While the Pakistani government publicly welcomed the ceasefire, viewing it as a major diplomatic step towards stability in the Middle East, TLP and other religious factions have condemned the deal as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Peace Agreement
In an official statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the truce as a “historic opportunity to secure lasting peace” in the region.
“Pakistan stands with the people of Palestine and will continue to work with international partners to ensure peace, security, and dignity for them,” Sharif said on Thursday.
Despite the government’s stance, hardline groups like TLP have accused authorities of aligning with Western powers and ignoring the “sacrifices” of Palestinians during the prolonged Gaza conflict.
TLP’s History of Street Power and Radical Protests
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan has long been one of the country’s most controversial religious movements. Known for its street power and fiery rhetoric, the party has staged several large-scale protests over the years, often leading to nationwide disruptions.
The group has previously demanded the expulsion of Western envoys and has been responsible for some of Pakistan’s most violent demonstrations in the past decade. Although banned temporarily in earlier years, the party continues to wield significant influence among Pakistan’s conservative religious population.
Rising Concerns Over Security and Stability
The government’s immediate challenge is to prevent the march from reaching Islamabad while avoiding further bloodshed. Analysts warn that if the situation escalates, it could trigger a wider law-and-order crisis at a time when Pakistan is already facing severe economic and political instability.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid major highways leading to the capital, as heavy security deployment continues across Punjab and Islamabad.
