On Monday, Pakistani police initiated an operation against a hardline party after failed talks to stop an anti-Israel protest, resulting in five deaths, including a policeman.
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) began protests in Lahore on Thursday, planning to march to the US embassy in Islamabad. Consequently, authorities blocked roads between the cities and cut internet access.
When negotiations between TLP and the government broke down on Sunday, officials launched a “dispersal operation” in Muridke, north of Lahore, where over 7,000 supporters had gathered en route to the capital.
Police reported TLP workers used stones, spiked batons, petrol bombs, and opened fire indiscriminately, causing casualties among civilians and police.
TLP is known for leading some of Pakistan’s most violent protests, often urging the government to expel Western diplomats.
“One police officer and four civilians were killed,” said the police statement, noting several arrests and injuries to 48 law enforcement personnel and eight civilians.
TLP initially claimed the protests opposed the US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, supported by Pakistan, after two years of conflict in Gaza.
Later, they stated the protest was in solidarity with Palestinians.
“Police surrounded us, firing bullets and tear gas continuously for three to four hours,” said TLP protester Abou Sufian.
Following the operation, charred vehicles, including the TLP leader’s main truck, were left behind.
“There were no genuine negotiations. The government used ‘negotiation’ to mislead the public,” TLP’s senior member Allama Irfan told AFP.
Shipping containers blocked major capital roads in anticipation of protester arrival.
A senior police official reported 50 officers injured in Friday’s clashes, while TLP’s claims of member deaths remain unverified.
Israel announced a ceasefire, withdrawing troops by noon on Friday, as Palestinians returned to their devastated homes.
The operation coincided with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Egypt for the Gaza peace plan signing.
“Today’s ceremony marks the end of a genocidal chapter, one the global community must prevent from repeating,” Sharif wrote on X.
Pakistan lacks formal diplomatic ties with Israel.
