Major Pakistani cities faced disruption on Friday as the hardline Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party initiated a march towards Islamabad, which quickly devolved into violent confrontations in Lahore. Thousands of TLP supporters, following Friday prayers, launched what they termed a ‘Gaza March’ from the party’s Lahore headquarters. The procession, reportedly led by TLP chief Saad Rizvi, saw participants chanting slogans and carrying makeshift weapons. Authorities attempted to halt the advance with barricades and tear gas at key intersections, including Yateem Khana Chowk and Azadi Chowk. However, protesters breached multiple barriers, continuing their push towards the capital. Eyewitnesses observed some demonstrators occupying sections of the Orange Line Metro track and pelting stones at security forces, resulting in numerous police injuries. Footage on social media allegedly showed protesters commandeering government vehicles, including cranes, to aid their march. Clashes intensified near Azadi Chowk, leading to damage to police vehicles and further injuries among officers. Lahore police reported dozens of officers wounded, while the TLP asserted that many of its workers were also injured and claimed at least 11 fatalities due to police firing, though these casualty figures remain unverified. The government responded by blocking major routes to Islamabad and reportedly suspending internet services in the capital to curb mobilization. An anti-terrorism court remanded 110 TLP activists into police custody for alleged attacks on officers and property damage, charges the TLP denies.
