Lahore/Islamabad, October 12, 2025: Supporters of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) reached Muridke on Saturday afternoon as they continued their march toward the federal capital to stage a protest “in solidarity with Palestinians.”
Earlier in the day, violent clashes broke out between TLP workers and police in Lahore’s Shahdara area, leaving at least 40 police personnel injured, according to law enforcement officials. The TLP, however, claimed that more than 10 of its supporters had been killed — a claim that could not be independently verified.
The religious party launched its demonstrations in Lahore on Thursday, announcing plans to march to the US Embassy in Islamabad to protest the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which ended two years of hostilities in Gaza. The protests turned violent on Friday as police fired tear gas and baton-charged demonstrators who hurled stones at security forces.
Security lockdown in twin cities
Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have imposed strict security measures, sealing major routes and placing shipping containers across key intersections to prevent the marchers’ entry into the capital. Mobile internet services remained suspended in several parts of the twin cities, while heavy traffic disruptions continued for a second consecutive day.
Islamabad Police spokesperson Jawad Taqi said no TLP protesters had entered the city so far.
“With the exception of Faizabad, all roads in Islamabad are open,” he said. “Some containers have been placed, but traffic is still able to move.”
A notification issued by the Islamabad Traffic Police stated that entry of heavy vehicles into the capital would remain suspended “until further notice.” It also advised commuters to use alternate routes due to traffic diversions near Faizabad.
Residents across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and nearby cities reported hours-long traffic jams and mobile network disruptions.
Shazia Tahir, a resident of Islamabad, said her usual 20-minute commute took more than an hour due to multiple closures.
“The highway from Khanna was closed, Faizabad was sealed, and every alternate route was choked,” she said.
Fauzia Kulsoom, a journalist from Rawalpindi, reported that mobile and internet services in Islamabad’s Blue Area were suspended from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.
“The internet has been down for two days — it’s affecting work badly,” she added.
In Bahria Town and along GT Road, containers blocked several routes, causing severe gridlock. Residents described minimal police presence and complete standstills near City Grammar School and Bahria Phase 7.
Meanwhile, travelers from other cities, including Gujranwala, reported being stranded as main entry points to Islamabad — Chanda Qila, Sadoki, and Kamoki — were sealed off.
“Trenches were dug overnight. We haven’t seen such measures before,” said Ramna Saeed, who was unable to reach Islamabad for her final LLB exam.
According to the local traffic police, major intersections including Committee Chowk, Liaquat Bagh Turn, DAV College Chowk, MH Chowk, and Naz Cinema remained closed, while access to Kachehri Chowk was blocked. Only partial traffic movement was allowed near Sawan Bridge and New Gulzar-e-Quaid, while key interchanges — Chakri, Thalian, Brahma, and Mandara — were sealed.
The M-1 Motorway remained open only toward Peshawar, while M-2 was closed in both directions between Rawalpindi and Lahore, motorway authorities confirmed.
A senior police official told AFP that around 50 officers had been injured in the clashes since Friday. The TLP’s claims of deaths among its supporters remained unverified.
TLP representative Allama Muhammad Irfan said the march was intended to express solidarity with Palestinians.
“We have no demands apart from showing solidarity with the people of Gaza,” he said. “The government is being brutal with us, and we are not negotiating.”
Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry, however, vowed to block the group’s entry into Islamabad.
“There is no room for any radical activity in the capital,” he told reporters. “Why is an agreement acceptable to Hamas and Palestine not acceptable to you?”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, calling it a “historic opportunity to secure lasting peace.”
“Pakistan will continue to work with partners and brotherly nations to ensure peace, security, and dignity for the Palestinian people,” he said in a statement.
