LAHORE/MURIDKE/ISLAMABAD: A violent clash erupted between police and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) supporters in Muridke during a law enforcement operation to disperse the group’s long march. According to police, Factory Area SHO Shahzad Jhoomar was martyred, while 48 police and Rangers personnel were injured, including 17 by gunfire.
The GT Road, previously blocked by TLP workers, was cleared after a full-scale operation. Law enforcement agencies regained control of the area after facing intense resistance, including stoning, iron rods, petrol bombs, and indiscriminate gunfire by protestors.
Almost a week has passed since Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) began its sit-in protest at the busy #Faizabad interchange against Israel’s aggression in Gaza. TCM spoke with Ameer TLP, #SaadRizvi, to understand the demands of #TLP, along with his take on the collision between… pic.twitter.com/F11LA7HZ7o
— The Centrum Media (@thecentrummedia) July 18, 2024
Three TLP workers and a bystander were killed during the exchange of fire, while eight civilians were injured. The rioters also set 40 government and private vehicles ablaze, causing panic in the area.
Multiple arrests were made, and the injured were shifted to local hospitals. Locals were advised to avoid GT Road due to ongoing tensions.
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In Lahore, TLP-affiliated lawyers staged a protest outside Aiwan-e-Adl, blocking traffic between the Civil Secretariat and PMG Chowk. The Lahore Bar Association called for a strike and demanded the release of arrested workers and improved medical care for the injured.
The unrest disrupted traffic across major cities. Motorways and highways were blocked, forcing hundreds of commuters to switch to rail travel. Railway stations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Sialkot witnessed massive overcrowding.
In Islamabad, the protests severely impacted court proceedings. The Islamabad High Court Bar Association issued a statement citing blocked entry points and requesting courts to avoid adverse orders due to lawyer absences.
Security remains on high alert in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with checkpoints set up at sensitive locations. Educational institutions were abruptly closed, causing confusion among students and parents.
