Violence Erupts as TLP Protest Turns Deadly in Muridke
Tense scenes unfolded in Muridke on Monday as violent clashes between Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists and police left one officer martyred and dozens injured. The unrest followed a protest by TLP workers, leading authorities to register a terrorism case against party leaders and participants.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Muridke City Police Station, TLP supporters attacked a police contingent during a demonstration, damaging public property and obstructing law enforcement duties. The case includes serious charges under Sections 6 and 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, and Sections 302, 435, and 431 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Police reported that Factory Area Station House Officer (SHO) Shehzad Nawaz was martyred after being shot by protesters. Several vehicles were also torched, while others were vandalised amid chaos on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road.
Police Launch Crackdown, Security Tightened Across Punjab
The FIR, registered by Sub-Inspector Muhammad Saleem Tahir, accuses TLP workers of using sticks, stones, and firearms to assault police. Authorities later recovered weapons and ammunition from the area. Police described the violence as “anti-state activity” designed to spread panic and instability.
In response, security was heightened throughout Muridke and adjoining areas. Additional contingents of police and Rangers were deployed, and raids are ongoing to apprehend those involved in the violence. Officials said more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Confusion Surrounds Saad Rizvi’s Whereabouts
Conflicting reports emerged about the condition of TLP chief Saad Rizvi, with party supporters claiming he was injured and taken away on a motorbike during the clashes.
Authorities later cleared the protest site, and according to local accounts, the bodies of deceased TLP workers were removed in containers.
Eyewitnesses said several protesters fled into nearby streets as clashes intensified, while others reportedly fell and sustained fatal injuries. The violence left parts of Muridke’s vegetable market burned, and nearly a dozen vehicles destroyed.
Hospitals Overwhelmed as Dozens Injured
According to THQ Hospital Muridke in-charge Dr. Qadeer, at least 150 injured individuals were brought in, most suffering gunshot wounds. Nineteen critically wounded patients were later shifted to Lahore’s Mayo Hospital after their condition stabilised.
Dr. Qadeer confirmed that the injured included both civilians and TLP members, though police did not hand over any deceased bodies to hospital officials.
Following the clashes, protests spread across the country, with demonstrators blocking major highways and burning tires, forcing schools and universities to close indefinitely due to security risks.
Police Regain Control, Normalcy Slowly Returns
After hours of confrontation, police and Rangers launched a counter-operation, dispersing the crowd and regaining control of the GT Road.
Officials said at least four people, including a police officer and three civilians, were killed, while 56 others were injured, among them 48 police and Rangers personnel.
Authorities said protesters set fire to nearly 40 vehicles, both public and private. Movement along key highways was restricted temporarily, but traffic and business activity gradually resumed in Sheikhupura and Muridke later in the evening.
Protests Spread to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad
In Karachi, TLP supporters blocked roads at Nala Stop and 4K Chowrangi, pelting stones and damaging vehicles. Traffic came to a halt for several hours before police dispersed the demonstrators.
In Lahore, TLP-affiliated lawyers staged a sit-in outside Aiwan-e-Adl, chanting anti-government slogans and blocking roads from Civil Secretariat to PMG Chowk.
The Lahore Bar Association announced a strike, calling for the release of detained TLP workers and demanding action against those responsible for opening fire on protesters.
Meanwhile, overcrowding hit rail services as road closures forced passengers to travel by train between Lahore, Rawalpindi, and other major cities.
Tight Security in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
In Rawalpindi, educational institutions reopened after a three-day closure under tight police security. Traffic flow remained normal across Murree Road and Mall Road, though checkpoints were established near Faizabad Interchange.
In Islamabad, road blockades disrupted proceedings at the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Most lawyers failed to appear due to closed routes, prompting the IHC Bar Association to request judges not to issue adverse orders. Security remained high across the capital, with universities announcing sudden closures amid renewed tension.
Who Is Saad Rizvi?
Saad Rizvi, 31, is the son of Khadim Hussain Rizvi, founder of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan. After his father’s death in 2020, he took charge of the party, focusing on mobilising support through social media.
TLP, which was banned in 2021, has repeatedly staged violent protests over blasphemy-related issues. Rizvi previously spent seven months in detention during the 2021 unrest before being released under a government agreement.
Authorities Urge Calm Amid Rising Tensions
Officials have urged restraint, saying the situation in Muridke and adjoining cities is stabilising, but security remains on high alert. The government has vowed to take strict action against those responsible for the violence while reaffirming its commitment to maintain law and order across the country.
