ISLAMABAD: Police in Pakistan’s eastern province of Punjab said on Saturday nearly 100 personnel have been injured in clashes with supporters of a religio-political party heading to the federal capital, Islamabad, where it plans to stage a protest outside the United States embassy to express solidarity with Palestinians.
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) announced its plan earlier this week to march on Islamabad, prompting authorities to raid its headquarters in Lahore to prevent the protest.
Clashes have since been reported in and around Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other cities, with the party claiming 11 of its supporters have been killed, though there has been no confirmation of casualties from the government, police or rescue officials.
TLP, known for its street mobilization and confrontational politics, has repeatedly staged mass sit-ins and marches to Islamabad since its rise in 2017. Previous protests have often turned violent, resulting in extended clashes with police and days-long disruption of traffic on key highways leading to the capital.
“Nearly 100 officers and personnel of Punjab Police have been brutally assaulted and injured in attacks by Tehreek-e-Labbaik rioters,” the Punjab Police said in a statement posted on social media. “Police vehicles worth millions of rupees have also been damaged, while other government offices and vehicles were attacked, causing losses to the national exchequer.”
The statement questioned the motives behind the group’s “violent and armed demonstrations,” asking what purpose they served if not to destroy public order, create problems for citizens and damage state property.
It noted a Gaza ceasefire had already been reached, adding: “When Muslims in Gaza are celebrating peace and thanking God, who are the TLP supporters in Pakistan representing by wreaking havoc here?”
Local media reported the TLP march had reached Muridke on Saturday afternoon, with supporters continuing attempts to move toward the capital despite heavy roadblocks.
According to an AFP report, TLP leaders said the protest was initially called to oppose the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, backed by Pakistan, but was now intended solely to express solidarity with Palestinians.
“We have no demands apart from showing solidarity with the people of Gaza,” senior TLP member Allama Muhammad Irfan told AFP. “We have no idea when we will reach Islamabad, but the government is being brutal with us. We are not negotiating with the government at all.”
Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said a day earlier authorities would not allow the protesters to enter the capital.
“There is no room for any radical activity in Islamabad,” he told reporters. “Why is an agreement that is acceptable to Hamas and Palestine not acceptable to you?”
