Muridke:Police have launched a major search operation to arrest TLP chief Saad Rizvi and other party leaders after violent clashes erupted during protests in Muridke. Several suspects have already been detained.
According to police sources, the TLP protest turned into an organized wave of violence, allegedly led by the party’s leadership, who incited the crowd and then fled the scene, endangering citizens and law enforcement personnel. Officials said that snatching weapons, hurling petrol bombs, and torching vehicles cannot be termed peaceful protest — and all those involved will be held accountable under the law.
The clashes broke out late on October 12 and 13, when one police officer was martyred and dozens of others were injured. Law enforcement eventually dispersed the mob after intense confrontation.
Authorities initially tried to negotiate and move the protest to a less congested area, but the TLP leadership continued to provoke the crowd, leading to chaos. Protesters reportedly attacked officers with stones, nail-studded sticks, and petrol bombs, while some snatched police weapons and fired them at security personnel.
Preliminary forensics confirmed that the bullets fired at police came from the stolen guns. To avoid further bloodshed, police responded with tear gas and baton charges, but the mob grew more aggressive and launched coordinated attacks.
At least 40 government and private vehicles were set ablaze, along with several shops. Forty-eight police officers were injured, including 17 with gunshot wounds. They were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Initial reports suggest three TLP workers and six bystanders were killed, while nearly 30 civilians sustained injuries. Witnesses said some vehicles were driven into the crowd deliberately, causing panic.
Police officials called the death of six innocent citizens a national tragedy, urging a united security strategy to ensure the protection of public life and property.