Islamabad/Rawalpindi, October 14, 2025: Normalcy returned to Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Tuesday following a large-scale police operation to disperse Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters marching toward the federal capital. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have reportedly traced the whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and senior leader Anas Rizvi, who are expected to be arrested soon, sources said.
The sources added that both leaders were advised to surrender to ensure they receive necessary medical attention. “Nothing can be said about the nature of their injuries at this stage,” they added.
The protest reached its peak in Muridke, which became the flashpoint of the confrontation between police and demonstrators. A case was registered there, alleging that a rifle recovered from Anas Rizvi had been used to fire during the unrest.
Despite unverified social media claims of “numerous casualties,” official figures confirmed three deaths — a TLP worker, a bystander, and a police officer — while 48 policemen were injured, including 17 with gunshot wounds. Officials termed the higher casualty figures circulating online as “exaggerated.”
The clashes erupted late Sunday as negotiations between TLP leaders — including Shafique Amini, Ghous Baghdadi, and Faizi — and government representatives failed to yield progress. Talks had been led on the government’s side by Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab IG Usman Anwar, and Special Representative on Religious Harmony Allama Tahir Ashrafi.
Police said the mob used petrol bombs, stones, and nail-embedded sticks, and also snatched weapons from officers during the violence that broke out between October 12 and 13. Around 40 government and private vehicles were torched, and several shops were set ablaze. A university bus was also hijacked and used by protesters to block traffic.
A first information report (FIR) has been registered at the Rawat Police Station, Rawalpindi, under anti-terrorism clauses. The FIR, lodged by Sub-Inspector Najeeb Ullah, names Saad Rizvi, Qari Bilal, and 21 others for blocking roads, attacking police, and attempting to snatch ammunition. Police said the accused carried petrol bombs and spiked sticks and fired directly at law enforcement officials, wounding Constable Adnan.
Another officer, Constable Nazeer, was allegedly assaulted, while four petrol bombs and 10 nail-embedded sticks were recovered from the suspects.
Police sources confirmed that 25 additional FIRs have been lodged at various stations in Lahore — including Islampura, New Anarkali, Shafiqabad, Gawalmandi, Badami Bagh, and Shahdara — under charges of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, rioting, and kidnapping.
Authorities described the unrest as “planned violence and coordinated attacks,” saying protesters ignored repeated appeals to disperse peacefully. “Snatching weapons, throwing petrol bombs, and burning vehicles can in no way be termed a peaceful protest. Such elements will be dealt with according to law,” a police spokesperson said.
Following the crackdown, life in the twin cities gradually returned to normal. The Metro Bus Service resumed operations between Saddar Station and Kashmir Highway, while routes from Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station to Pak Secretariat remain partially suspended due to containers still blocking D-Chowk. The administration said the full route will be restored in the second phase.
The Faizabad Interchange, closed for nearly a week, has also been reopened. Authorities have directed the reopening of transport terminals, hotels, restaurants, and markets across the capital region.
