At least one police officer and several protesters lost their lives when clashes broke out between police and supporters of the radical Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore. The chaos began during an anti-Israel march that was heading toward Islamabad on Monday, leaving the city nearly shut down.
Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar said protesters opened fire on officers, killing one and injuring others. TLP claimed that many of its supporters were also killed or wounded. The group’s leader, Saad Rizvi, was critically injured after being shot multiple times, according to TLP.
Moments before the incident, TLP posted a video showing Rizvi asking security forces to stop firing and expressing his willingness to negotiate. Gunfire echoed in the background. Other videos showed burning vehicles, including a truck carrying TLP workers.
The protesters planned to hold a pro-Palestinian rally outside the US Embassy in Islamabad. Violence began when they tried to remove police barricades blocking roads. Over the weekend, authorities had already arrested more than 100 people.
TLP’s march has drawn mixed public reactions—some accused the government of overreacting, while others criticised the party for choosing confrontation instead of peace.
