Lahore TLP Police Clash (Credit:Top Indian News)
International News: A shocking turn unfolded in Pakistan as ceasefire was declared in Gaza, but streets of Lahore burned with violent protests. Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists marched towards Islamabad, demanding stronger action in support of Palestine. Police intervened to stop them before reaching the US embassy. Clashes turned bloody, resulting in multiple deaths and dozens of injuries. The contrast between peace abroad and chaos at home exposed Pakistan’s fragile political balance.
Protests erupted when TLP workers defied restrictions and attempted to push forward. Police responded with force to disperse the crowd. Witnesses reported stone pelting, baton charges, and later even gunfire exchanges between protesters and law enforcement. The violence left five confirmed dead and more than forty injured. Streets of Lahore and nearby highways were blocked, leading to shutdown of schools and disruption of daily life. Panic spread quickly across neighborhoods as firing continued.
According to reports, the crackdown began early morning around 3 AM near Muridke. Police and paramilitary Rangers surrounded the protest camp, launching a six-hour long operation to disperse the demonstrators. Heavy deployment of forces from multiple districts was sent to control the situation. The standoff resulted in intense clashes, tear gas shelling, and several arrests. Protesters accused security forces of unprovoked violence, while police claimed they were only restoring order in the city.
In the bloody confrontation, a senior police Station House Officer (SHO) lost his life. Punjab Police spokesman Mubashir Hussain confirmed his death while addressing media. He further revealed that forty-eight policemen were injured in the clash, with seventeen sustaining bullet wounds. At least eight civilians were also badly hurt, and one bystander was reported dead. The deaths sparked outrage among law enforcement, adding pressure on government authorities to respond firmly against the TLP leadership.
Officials accused TLP protesters of using petrol bombs, sticks with nails, and even opening fire. Over forty private and government vehicles were torched during the riots. Police said they were forced to respond with limited action to protect themselves. Several protesters were arrested from the scene and more raids are expected in coming days. Authorities stated that the violence was pre-planned by organizers who had been mobilizing workers since Friday.
The violence spread fear not only in Lahore but across Punjab province. Roads leading to Islamabad were sealed again, causing traffic chaos. Schools in Islamabad closed earlier than usual as precautionary measures. Citizens worried that the unrest could spread to other cities if not controlled quickly. The violent scenes of burning vehicles and tear gas clouds shocked the public, fueling anger over Pakistan’s recurring cycle of street protests turning deadly.
As the clashes ended, voices across Pakistan called for accountability. Citizens demanded both protesters and police be held responsible for unnecessary bloodshed. Human rights activists condemned the excessive use of force, while government officials blamed TLP for inciting chaos. Social media was flooded with videos of the clash, sparking debates over state policy towards extremist groups. While Gaza witnessed ceasefire, Pakistan once again faced internal wounds deepened by violence on its own streets.
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