Violent Clashes Erupt in Lahore as TLP Protesters March Towards Islamabad Over Gaza Conflict

October 12, 2025

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Lahore city witnessed violent protests and deadly clashes over the weekend as members of the hardline Islamist group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) confronted police forces after being stopped from marching towards Islamabad to hold a massive pro-Palestine demonstration.

‘Gaza March’ Turns Violent

The demonstrators, calling their rally the “Gaza March,” sought to express solidarity with Palestinians over alleged oppression by Israeli forces. Their stated plan was to march to the capital and protest outside the US Embassy.

When police blocked their route, chaos erupted as protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel. Police fired tear gas shells and live rounds to disperse the crowd, while TLP supporters hurled stones and attacked security officers.

Casualties and Escalation

According to ABC News, the TLP claimed that two of its supporters were killed and around 50 others injured since Thursday. The unrest, which began in Punjab province, intensified over the next few days as protesters refused to heed police appeals for peace and continued advancing towards Islamabad.

Police initially used batons to control the crowd, but the situation escalated rapidly, forcing them to resort to gunfire to prevent the protesters from breaching security barricades.

Government Silent Amid Unrest

There was no immediate response from the Punjab provincial government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, niece of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The silence from the administration has drawn criticism as the unrest paralyzed daily life in Lahore and surrounding areas.

TLP Chief Defiant

TLP chief Saad Rizvi called on his followers to continue the march despite the crackdown. “I will walk at the head of the long march. Arrest is not a problem, bullets are not a problem, shells are not a problem — martyrdom is our destiny,” Rizvi declared.

His statement further inflamed tensions, with supporters pledging to continue demonstrations until they reached Islamabad.

Public Life Disrupted

The violent clashes severely impacted public life in Lahore. Schools, colleges, and universities have remained closed since Friday, while public transportation and essential services faced disruptions.

Authorities also suspended mobile and internet services in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi to curb the spread of rumours and prevent protesters from mobilizing further.

Lahore lies approximately 350 kilometers (210 miles) from Islamabad, making the situation particularly sensitive as protesters inch closer to the capital.

Social Media Backlash

The TLP faced widespread criticism on social media, with users condemning the group for orchestrating street violence amid ongoing diplomatic efforts toward peace between Israel and Palestine.

TLP leaders, however, accused the government of excessive force, claiming that authorities blocked roads and used violence even before their march began. They maintained that their demonstration was intended to protest Israel’s “atrocities in Gaza.”