ISLAMABAD: Nationwide unrest erupted on Monday after Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) claimed that its leader, Saad Hussain Rizvi, had been shot and injured, prompting violent demonstrations in multiple cities.
Protesters blocked major roads, burned tires, and disrupted traffic, causing widespread chaos and raising concerns over public safety. Authorities have warned that mobile services may be suspended in several locations to manage the situation, while educational institutions, including schools and universities, have been closed indefinitely due to security risks.
Saad Rizvi, the 31-year-old son of TLP’s late founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi, took leadership of the party in 2020. He has been instrumental in mobilising supporters and using social media to amplify the party’s agenda, particularly its focus on Pakistan’s blasphemy laws under Section 295-C of the Penal Code.
The party was banned in 2021, and Saad himself was detained for seven months in 2021 following violent protests.
The unrest escalated dramatically in Muridke during the TLP long march, where at least four people—including police officers and civilians—were killed, and 56 others injured. Among the dead was Factory Area Station House Officer (SHO) Shehzad Nawaz, who was martyred after being shot by protesters.
Law enforcement and Rangers launched an operation to disperse the crowds after protesters hurled stones, spiked sticks, and petrol bombs, and opened indiscriminate fire. Security forces conducted a limited counter-operation to regain control of the Grand Trunk (GT) Road.
At least 48 police and Rangers personnel sustained injuries, 17 from gunfire, while three TLP supporters and one passerby were killed. Eight additional civilians were also wounded. During the clashes, around 40 government and private vehicles were set ablaze. Authorities detained several individuals involved in the violence, while injured persons were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In Karachi, TLP supporters staged protests at multiple locations, including Nala Stop and 4K Chowrangi in North Karachi, blocking roads and pelting stones. Traffic was brought to a standstill, forcing police to intervene to restore order.
In Lahore, TLP-affiliated lawyers staged a protest outside Aiwan-e-Adl against the Muridke police operation, blocking traffic from the Civil Secretariat to PMG Chowk. Some protesters assaulted police personnel, prompting the Lahore Bar Association to announce a strike in lower courts, requesting lawyers not appear in court after 11 am.
The association demanded the release of arrested TLP workers, medical treatment for the injured, and legal action against those responsible for the violence.
The protest led to closures of major roads and motorways, forcing passengers to turn to the railway system for travel between Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and other cities. Despite the addition of extra coaches, trains were overcrowded, leaving many passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, standing throughout their journeys.
In Rawalpindi, schools and colleges reopened after a three-day closure, and attendance was reported as normal under tight security. Traffic flowed smoothly across the city, although diversions remained in place near Faizabad Interchange. The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education resumed supplementary matriculation exams as scheduled.
In Islamabad, road closures disrupted court proceedings as most lawyers were unable to reach the Islamabad High Court (IHC), resulting in the adjournment of scheduled hearings. A division bench, comprising Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, cancelled its cause list for the day.
The IHC Bar Association issued a statement urging judges not to issue adverse orders in cases where lawyers were unable to appear, highlighting the difficulties caused by blocked routes.
Following the operation against TLP’s long march, security has been tightened across Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Police have been deployed at key intersections and checkpoints to maintain order. While major roads, including Murree Road, remain open, Shamsabad and Faizabad points are still closed.
Universities have announced sudden holidays and cancelled evening sessions, leaving parents and students facing logistical challenges.
The situation remains volatile, with authorities closely monitoring developments to prevent further violence and protect civilians, law enforcement personnel, and critical infrastructure.
ক্ষমতার মোহে আমেরিকার দালালি বন্ধু না করলে শাহবাজ প্রশাসনের উৎখাত হতে পারে
ক্ষমতার মোহে আমেরিকার দালালি বন্ধ না করলে শাহবাজ প্রশাসনের উৎখাত হতে পারে
ক্ষমতার মোহে আমেরিকার দালালি বন্ধ না করলে শাহবাজ প্রশাসনের উৎখাত হতে পারে
ক্ষমতার মোহে আমেরিকার দালালি বন্ধ না করলে শাহবাজ প্রশাসনের উৎখাত হতে পারে