Police Clash With TLP Protesters as Violence Erupts in Muridke

The situation in Muridke remains tense after a major police operation against Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters turned violent. The overnight crackdown sparked nationwide unrest, leaving one police officer dead, dozens injured, and hundreds arrested.

🚨 Pre-Dawn Operation Turns Chaotic

At around 3:30 am on Monday, Punjab Police launched a large-scale operation to clear TLP’s protest camp on GT Road. The raid quickly escalated into intense clashes that lasted nearly six hours.

Officials said about 1,500 police officers, equipped with armoured vehicles and water cannons, surrounded the site to disperse demonstrators. By morning, hundreds of TLP members had been detained, though the exact number was unclear.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of torched vehicles and widespread chaos, while videos on social media showed heavy tear gas shelling and clashes between police and protesters.

💥 Conflicting Reports and Rumors About Saad Rizvi

Unverified social media reports claimed that TLP chief Saad Rizvi had either been shot or taken into custody, fueling confusion and anger among supporters.

However, Punjab Inspector General (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar confirmed that Saad Rizvi was neither arrested nor injured during the operation.

Interestingly, TLP’s official social media pages remained silent, providing no statement about their leader’s condition or location.

⚔️ Clashes Spread Across Pakistan

By mid-morning, TLP protests spread nationwide. In Lahore, demonstrators blocked roads, damaged vehicles, and burned tires to denounce what they called a “brutal crackdown.”

In Burewala, five policemen, including a deputy superintendent, were injured in confrontations. In Faisalabad, the Chenab Chowk was blocked for two hours, forcing the Government College University Faisalabad to postpone exams.

Further south, protests erupted in Mian Channu and Bahawalnagar, with protesters blocking highways and clashing with local authorities. Dozens of arrests were made under multiple criminal charges.

In Karachi, the unrest spread to North Karachi and Sindhi Hotel, where TLP activists set up sit-ins and threw stones at police. Two constables were injured before security forces used tear gas and made arrests to restore order.

📢 TLP Leaders Urge Calm

Late Monday night, Mufti Wazeer Ahmad Rizvi, a senior member of TLP’s Majlis-e-Shura, released a video message urging supporters to end road blockades and wait for new instructions.

He announced that TLP workers should converge on Lahore’s Data Darbar on October 17 for their next major gathering.

🕊️ Talks Collapse, Crackdown Resumes

Senior police officials said the operation began after negotiations with TLP leaders failed. Two rounds of talks were held between Saturday night and early Monday, but officials said the group’s demands were “completely unreasonable.”

“They wanted security forces withdrawn from all routes to Islamabad and the release of all arrested workers without conditions,” a senior police officer said.

When the protesters attempted to march toward Islamabad, police moved in to stop them. The situation escalated after armed protesters opened fire, killing Inspector Shehzad Nawaz and injuring several officers.

⚖️ Political Reactions

The crackdown drew strong criticism from opposition and religious leaders. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the action, calling it “state brutality.”

He said citizens have a right to peaceful protest and accused the government of using force instead of dialogue.

On the other hand, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif defended the operation, saying the TLP protests were an insult to religion.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Forming armed groups in the name of religion and holding the public hostage is an insult to faith. For two years, blood was shed in Gaza, but no one protested then. We must stop this violence in the name of religion.”

🔍 The Situation Ahead

Authorities have increased security in Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad, fearing further unrest. Internet monitoring cells are tracking social media disinformation, especially false claims about Saad Rizvi’s condition.

Police officials said they are reviewing surveillance footage and will file additional charges against those involved in violence and property damage.

As the October 17 Lahore protest approaches, the situation remains uncertain. Both the government and the TLP appear to be preparing for another potential confrontation.