At least 11 people were killed and others left injured on Friday as members of the far-right Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan clashed with police in Pakistan. Thousands joined the protest march towards Islamabad in the evening — registering their criticism of Israeli killings in Gaza. The agitation had soon turned violent with authorities eventually blocking roads and suspending internet services in the capital. A separate incident in northwestern Pakistan also left several police officers dead and others injured on Saturday after gunmen attacked a training center.
According to local media reports, the “Gaza March” was launched after Friday prayers from the TLP headquarters in Lahore. The procession drew thousands of supporters — many chanting religious slogans, and carrying sticks, rods, and bricks. The police had tried unsuccessfully to block the rally by setting up barricades and using tear gas near key intersections.
Protests pause normal life in Islamabad, Rawalpindi
The violent clashes continued well into Saturday — with the TLP claiming that cops had fired indiscriminately at the protesters . It claimed that 11 members had been killed while more than 50 were left injured. Reports citing eyewitnesses said some TLP supporters occupied parts of the Orange Line Metro track and threw stones at security forces — injuring several police officers. Dawn also cited footage circulating on social media to note that protesters commandeered government vehicles (including cranes belonging to the Lahore Waste Management Company and the Punjab Police) to use in the procession.
Clashes turned intense near Lahore’s Azadi Chowk, where several police vehicles were damaged and multiple officers were injured. Videos on social media showed law enforcement personnel firing tear gas and warning shots to disperse the crowds, while some officers were seen retreating to safety. Lahore police reported that dozens of officers sustained injuries, while the TLP claimed that many of its workers were also hurt and alleged that some had been killed in police firing, claims that could not be independently verified.
Amid the unrest, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore remanded 110 TLP activists to police custody for 12 days for allegedly attacking officers and damaging public property during the protest. The FIR filed by Nawankot Police accuses the group of opening fire and resorting to violence against law enforcement personnel.
Militant attack at police station kills at least 7 officers
At least seven police officers and six militants were killed after gunmen attacked a police training center in northwestern Pakistan, triggering a fierce firefight that lasted for hours, officials said Saturday.It’s the latest violence to rock the area, which is the base for several armed groups, and comes as Pakistan struggles with a worsening security situation.