Lahore burning: Massive TLP protest erupts in Pakistan; videos of bodies lying on streets go viral, Muridke SHO shot dead

Lahore is witnessing intense violence as supporters of the hardline Islamist group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) clashed with police during a massive protest march. The unrest, which began in Punjab province last Thursday, escalated sharply after the group was stopped from marching towards Islamabad for its planned pro-Palestine rally.

According to ABC News, the clashes turned deadly as protesters hurled stones at police officers, prompting the security forces to use batons, tear gas, and gunfire to disperse the crowd. The TLP claimed that two of its supporters were killed and about 50 others injured in the confrontation.

Muridke SHO shot dead as violence spreads

The unrest spread beyond Lahore, with reports confirming that the Station House Officer (SHO) of Muridke was shot dead during the clashes. Several police personnel were also injured after being attacked by groups of protesters and, in a separate incident, by lawyers who reportedly assaulted officers near court premises in the city.

The violence disrupted public life, paralysing major parts of Lahore. Schools, colleges, and universities have remained closed since Friday, and several roads were blocked as police struggled to regain control of the situation.

TLP vows to continue its ‘Gaza march’
The demonstration, dubbed the “Gaza march,” was called to express solidarity with Palestinians. Protesters had planned to rally outside the US embassy in Islamabad against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

TLP chief Saad Rizvi urged his supporters not to back down, saying, “I will walk at the head of the long march. Arrest is not a problem, bullets are not a problem, shells are not a problem — martyrdom is our destiny.”

There was no immediate comment from the Punjab provincial government led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, niece of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Internet suspended as authorities move to contain unrest
To prevent further escalation, the administration suspended mobile and internet services in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi. Security personnel have been deployed