Violent TLP Protest in Muridke: One Policeman Martyred, Dozens Injured

A violent protest by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in the city of Muridke turned deadly during the night between 12th and 13th October, as one police officer was martyred and dozens of law enforcement personnel were injured, police sources confirmed.

According to police, the protesters used violent tactics, including stone-pelting, nail-studded sticks, and petrol bombs. During the chaos, some police weapons were snatched and later used for firing, which forensic reports have confirmed.

Initially, the local administration attempted to negotiate with the protest leaders and offered to shift the demonstration to a less disruptive location. However, during the negotiations, the protest leaders allegedly continued to incite the crowd, escalating tensions.

The mob reportedly attacked police officers and vehicles in a coordinated manner. At least 40 government and private vehicles were set on fire, and several shops were also torched. One university bus and other vehicles were commandeered by protesters and used during the unrest.

Eyewitnesses stated that some vehicles were driven dangerously into crowds, causing panic. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and baton charges to disperse the mob and avoid a greater tragedy.

In total, 48 police officers were injured, 17 of them by gunfire. The wounded were shifted to various hospitals for treatment. On the civilian side, reports indicate three TLP members and one bystander were killed, while about 30 others were injured.

Police stated that the violence was pre-planned and incited by TLP leadership, who later fled the scene, putting citizens and public safety at risk. TLP leader Saad Rizvi and several others managed to escape, while multiple suspects have been arrested. A search operation is ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals.

“This was not a peaceful protest,” a police official said. “Snatching weapons, using petrol bombs, and burning vehicles cannot be justified under any circumstance. Those responsible will be held accountable under the law.”

Authorities have called the death of an innocent bystander a national tragedy and urged for a unified strategy to protect citizens and public property.