Pakistan Boils Over: Deadly Clashes Erupt in Lahore as TLP’s Anti-Israel March Turns Violent — Party Chief Saad Rizvi Reportedly Shot

Islamabad: Tensions in Pakistan have reached a breaking point as violent clashes between police and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) supporters erupted in Lahore on Monday during an anti-Israel march. The demonstration, which was organized in solidarity with Palestinians, quickly turned deadly, leaving at least one police officer and several protesters dead, while hundreds sustained injuries.

According to reports, chaos broke out when Punjab Police attempted to block the TLP march advancing toward Islamabad. What began as a peaceful procession escalated into fierce street battles, with security forces resorting to baton charges and tear gas to disperse the mob. Protesters allegedly responded with gunfire, stones, and petrol bombs.

Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar confirmed that one officer was killed after being fired upon by protesters. “The demonstrators opened fire on the police, leading to the tragic loss of one of our officers,” Anwar stated, while refusing to comment on the number of protester casualties.

However, the TLP claimed in a statement that “dozens of our members have been martyred and hundreds injured in police firing.” The group also alleged that its chief, Saad Hussain Rizvi, was shot multiple times when police opened fire on the marchers. TLP sources say Rizvi is in critical condition.

A video shared by TLP before the reported shooting shows Rizvi appealing to authorities to cease fire, saying, “We are ready for dialogue; stop firing on our people.” Gunfire can be heard in the background as he makes the plea.

The unrest has paralyzed large parts of Lahore and Muridke, where police launched overnight raids on TLP members, further inflaming tensions. Unverified social media reports claim over 100 people have been killed and thousands injured, though official figures remain unclear.