At least five people, including a police officer, were killed and dozens were injured on Monday in violent clashes between Pakistani authorities and protesters marching in support of Palestinians. The unrest broke out in the eastern city of Lahore and nearby Muridke, as thousands of supporters of the political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) attempted to push toward Islamabad.

Why did the clashes occur?

According to Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar, the violence began when protesters tried to remove roadblocks made of shipping containers set up by security forces. Demonstrators reportedly opened fire on police, resulting in the death of one officer and injuries to several others. In response, police forces clashed with protesters, killing three demonstrators and one passerby, police confirmed.

Who organised the protest march?

The march was organised by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a hardline Islamist political party known for its street power and violent protests. The party announced that the march, dubbed the “long march”, began on Friday in Lahore with the goal of reaching the US Embassy in Islamabad to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

TLP released several videos on Monday showing burning vehicles, including a truck carrying party officials. Gunfire could be heard in some videos, adding to concerns about escalating violence. TLP claimed that hundreds of its supporters were injured, and that the casualty figure was high among participants.

Police reported arresting over 100 people during Saturday’s protests and said a search operation is underway to locate protest leaders allegedly hiding in residential neighbourhoods.

Was there a call for peace or negotiation?

Before dawn on Monday, TLP circulated a video of party chief Saad Rizvi urging authorities to cease fire and stating his willingness to negotiate. Gunshots could be heard in the background as Rizvi addressed his followers. Later that day, TLP confirmed that Rizvi had been wounded, although his current location remains unknown.

What was the government’s response?

Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry criticised TLP’s decision to engage in violence, questioning why the group chose confrontation instead of celebrating recent developments in Gaza. Punjab Police said they were still assessing the full extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad had issued a security alert last week, warning of potential disruptions and urging American citizens to exercise caution.

What is TLP’s background?

TLP gained prominence in Pakistan’s 2018 elections by campaigning on the single issue of defending the country’s blasphemy law, which calls for the death penalty for anyone who insults Islam. Since then, the party has staged violent rallies, mainly against the desecration abroad of Islam's holy book, the Quran.

The party has held pro-Palestinian rallies in recent years in Lahore and other cities. This march was planned to travel toward the U.S. embassy to express support for Palestinians.