Islamabad [Pakistan], October 13 (ANI): Pakistan’s internal security situation deteriorated sharply on Sunday as authorities launched a large-scale crackdown on the far-right Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), detaining at least 170 individuals across Punjab and sealing major routes to prevent the party’s planned march on Islamabad, Dawn reported.
Massive contingents of police and Pakistan Rangers surrounded the TLP protest camp in Muridke, near Lahore, early Sunday morning, digging trenches and blocking key roads to stop demonstrators from advancing toward the capital. The operation appeared to be part of a broader effort to contain unrest triggered by the group’s call for an anti-Israel march in solidarity with Palestinians.
The unrest coincided with significant developments in the Middle East, where Israel and Hamas were preparing to release hostages in the presence of US President Donald Trump. According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and other authorities were finalizing arrangements for the release, expected to begin early Monday, marking what could be the conclusion of the two-year Gaza war.
Back in Pakistan, tensions escalated as TLP supporters attempted twice to move beyond Muridke, leading to violent confrontations. Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds as clashes broke out. In Lahore’s Shahdara area, TLP supporters reportedly attacked police facilities, looted 18 official motorcycles, damaged infrastructure, and seized government vehicles at gunpoint. Several policemen were reported missing amid fears they may have been abducted.
Dawn quoted police sources as saying that law enforcement agencies had been placed on high alert across five districts, with senior officers directed to lead operations in person. Lahore Operations DIG Faisal Kamran confirmed that police reinforcements had reached Muridke to prevent further escalation.
TLP chief Saad Rizvi condemned the police action, accusing authorities of using “lethal weapons” against unarmed supporters. “We are ready for talks,” he said, adding that many of those arrested were detained despite his not authorizing the march toward Islamabad. Rizvi stressed that the rally’s purpose was to show solidarity with Palestine and reiterated that “Pakistan should not recognize Israel.” He urged followers to “remain calm and await further instructions” while internal consultations continued.
According to police, around 170 individuals—including TLP workers, office-bearers, and local activists—were detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) across three districts in the Sahiwal division. Overnight operations between Friday and Saturday targeted homes and local offices, with detainees transferred to central prisons in Pakpattan, Sahiwal, and Okara.
As the situation grew more volatile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review the country’s internal security and law and order status. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Naqvi briefed him on ongoing counterterrorism measures and steps taken by the Interior Ministry to restore stability.
The TLP, known for its hardline religious ideology and history of violent protests, was banned in April 2021 after its members clashed with police following the arrest of Saad Rizvi under anti-terror laws. However, the ban was later lifted, allowing the group to resume political activities. (ANI)
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