Clashes in Muridke: TLP’s Pro-Gaza March Turns Violent

Recent events in Pakistan have highlighted the tensions between religious groups and law enforcement. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a prominent Islamist party, organized a march to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. What started as a demonstration escalated into violent clashes in Muridke, leading to deaths and injuries. Reports on casualties vary, with official figures citing five deaths, while some unverified claims suggest higher numbers. The TLP leadership, particularly its chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, has been at the center of speculation amid rumors of his injury.

Key points from the incident:

• The Protest’s Origin: TLP launched the march from Lahore on October 10, aiming for Islamabad to demonstrate outside the US embassy in support of Palestinians. Authorities blocked routes, leading to a sit-in in Muridke.
• Clash Details: On October 13, police dispersed the crowd after failed talks, resulting in confrontations where protesters allegedly used stones, batons, and firearms. Police responded with force, and vehicles were set ablaze.
• Casualties: At least five people died, including a police officer and three TLP supporters. Dozens were injured, mostly law enforcement personnel.
• Leadership Status: Conflicting reports exist about Saad Rizvi—some say he was shot and is critical, while officials insist he is safe.
• Broader Impact: Protests spread to other cities, causing roadblocks and disruptions, though normalcy has largely returned.

This event underscores the challenges of managing public demonstrations in Pakistan, where religious sentiments often fuel large-scale actions. While the government emphasizes restoring order, critics argue for better dialogue to avoid violence. Evidence points to both sides contributing to the escalation, though exact triggers remain debated.

Background on TLP and the March

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan is known for its hardline stance on religious issues. Founded in 2015, it has a history of protests that sometimes turn confrontational. The recent march was framed as a pro-Gaza effort, drawing thousands. Blockades in Muridke forced a halt, setting the stage for the October 13 operation.

What Led to the Violence

Negotiations broke down, and police moved in early morning. Accounts differ: authorities claim protesters initiated attacks, while some eyewitnesses describe heavy-handed tactics. The result was chaos, with fires and gunfire reported.

Aftermath and Responses

Roads have reopened, but arrests continue. Legal cases under anti-terrorism laws have been filed against TLP members. The incident has sparked calls for investigations from legal bodies.

In the early hours of October 13, 2025, a routine protest dispersal in Muridke, a town near Lahore, spiraled into one of Pakistan’s recent flashpoints of civil unrest. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a far-right Islamist party with a track record of mobilizing crowds over religious and political grievances, found itself in direct confrontation with law enforcement. This detailed account draws from multiple sources to piece together the sequence of events, the human cost, and the broader implications, including the party’s leadership dynamics.

The roots of the clash trace back to October 10, when TLP announced a long march from Lahore to Islamabad. The stated goal was to hold a sit-in outside the US embassy, protesting what the party described as US-backed Israeli actions in Gaza amid ongoing regional conflicts. Led by Saad Hussain Rizvi, the march attracted thousands of supporters, many from Punjab’s urban and rural areas where TLP has a strong Barelvi Sunni base. As the convoy progressed, authorities intervened by digging trenches and placing shipping containers to block the Grand Trunk Road, effectively stranding protesters in Muridke by October 11.

Tensions simmered over the weekend. Protesters set up camps in the town’s vegetable market area, chanting slogans and waving flags. Law enforcement, including Punjab Police and Rangers from multiple districts, surrounded the site. Negotiations between TLP representatives and government officials dragged on but ultimately collapsed on October 12. Officials cited public safety concerns, accusing the group of planning to disrupt the capital. TLP, on the other hand, insisted the march was peaceful and accused the government of suppressing free expression.

The dispersal operation began around 3 a.m. on October 13. According to police reports, when ordered to leave, TLP supporters responded with aggression—hurling stones, using spiked batons and petrol bombs, and even opening fire. This led to a three-to-six-hour melee. Protesters allegedly torched over 40 vehicles, including police vans and private cars, causing widespread damage to public infrastructure. Police countered with batons, tear gas, and what they called “limited defensive fire.” The chaos spilled into nearby streets, with some protesters fleeing and reports of falls leading to further injuries.

The violence wasn’t confined to Muridke. Scattered protests erupted in Lahore, Karachi, and even affected court proceedings in Islamabad due to road closures. In Karachi, small groups blocked roads like Nagan Chowrangi, leading to tear gas use and minor injuries, including to two children. Lahore saw demonstrations at key points like Shimla Pahari and Thokar Niaz Beg, with lawyers affiliated with TLP staging strikes and condemning the operation. Nationwide, motorways such as M-2 and M-3 were temporarily shut, schools closed, and mobile internet suspended in some areas to curb coordination among protesters. By October 14, however, traffic normalized, and services were restored.

Casualties from the Muridke operation paint a grim picture, though figures vary across reports. Official statements from Punjab Police and government spokespeople confirm five deaths: Station House Officer (SHO) Shehzad Nawaz from Sheikhupura’s Factory Area, who was shot; three unnamed TLP workers; and one passerby caught in the crossfire. Injuries totaled around 56, with 48 affecting law enforcement (17 from gunfire) and eight civilians. Some media outlets and eyewitness accounts suggest the toll could be higher—up to 15 deaths in total—citing unverified social media claims. TLP itself has made dramatic assertions, claiming over 250 workers killed and 1,500 injured nationwide, though these appear unsubstantiated and likely exaggerated for rhetorical effect.

Category	Details	Number	Notes
Deaths	Police Officer (SHO Shehzad Nawaz)	1	Martyred in gunfire during clashes.
	TLP Workers	3	Killed in the dispersal operation; names not publicly released.
	Passerby	1	Civilian caught in the violence.
	Total Deaths	5	Official count; some reports suggest up to 10-15.
Injuries	Law Enforcement (Police/Rangers)	48	Including 17 bullet wounds; from stones, batons, and fire.
	Civilians/Protesters	8+	Includes two children in Karachi; higher claims by TLP unverified.
Property Damage	Vehicles Torched	40+	Government and private vehicles set on fire.
	Infrastructure	Varied	Damage to roads, markets; vegetable market in Muridke partially burned.

No comprehensive list of individual deaths with names has been released by authorities or TLP, possibly due to ongoing investigations. The only named fatality is SHO Shehzad Nawaz, hailed as a martyr by police officials.

At the heart of the speculation is TLP’s leadership, particularly Saad Hussain Rizvi. The 31-year-old, who took over after his father Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s death in 2020, was reportedly leading the march. Social media erupted with claims that he was shot multiple times—three bullets in some accounts—and was in critical condition or even dead. Eyewitnesses and TLP sympathizers shared videos and posts alleging heavy gunfire targeted him. However, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar and Information Minister Azma Bokhari categorically denied these, stating Rizvi is safe, not arrested, and urging the public to ignore rumors. This discrepancy has fueled further unrest, with protests in several cities chanting against the government.

TLP’s leadership structure provides context here. Founded by Khadim Hussain Rizvi in 2015 as a response to perceived threats to Islamic principles, particularly blasphemy laws, the party quickly gained traction among Barelvi Sunnis. Khadim Rizvi, a fiery cleric, led until his death, after which Saad Rizvi assumed the role of Ameer. Supporting him is Naib Ameer Syed Zaheer Ul Hasan Shah. The party has no formal hierarchy beyond this, but it boasts a youth wing and a massive social media presence—over 17,000 active Twitter users as of earlier data. TLP’s ideology centers on establishing Sharia through legal means, opposing secularism, and targeting minorities like Ahmadis. It has a history of violent protests, including the 2017 Faizabad sit-in that paralyzed Islamabad and forced a minister’s resignation, and 2021 clashes over French cartoons that led to a temporary ban on the party.

In this incident, authorities have filed cases against TLP leadership and workers under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and various Pakistan Penal Code sections, including murder and mischief by fire. Arrests number in the dozens, with raids ongoing. Critics, including bar associations, have decried the operation as excessive, demanding probes into alleged firing on unarmed protesters and the release of detainees. The government defends it as necessary to prevent “armed mobs” from advancing, emphasizing that no live rounds were used offensively.

The Muridke clashes fit a pattern for TLP, which has orchestrated similar actions in the past—2018 protests over Asia Bibi’s acquittal, 2021 anti-France demonstrations, and a 2023 strike against fuel prices. Each time, the party leverages religious fervor to pressure the state, often resulting in concessions like protester releases or policy reviews. This event, however, comes amid broader geopolitical tensions over Gaza, amplifying its resonance. While TLP secured over 2.8 million votes in the 2024 elections (4.88% nationally), it holds minimal seats, relying on street power rather than parliamentary influence.

Looking ahead, the incident raises questions about protest management in Pakistan. Rights groups call for transparency, while analysts warn of potential radicalization if grievances aren’t addressed. As of October 14, calm has returned, but the fallout—legal battles, rumors, and calls for accountability—lingers. This episode serves as a reminder of the volatile intersection of religion, politics, and security in the country.

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