In Lahore, Pakistan, violent confrontations broke out on Monday between police and thousands of demonstrators participating in a pro-Palestinian march, resulting in the death of at least one police officer and injuries to dozens more, according to police and eyewitness accounts. Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar reported that protesters opened fire on law enforcement, leading to the fatal shooting of an officer and multiple injuries among the police force. While Anwar did not confirm any casualties among the protesters, the political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) claimed that many of its supporters were also killed or wounded. Videos released by TLP depicted several vehicles ablaze, including a truck transporting party officials leading the ‘long march’ that commenced in eastern Pakistan on Friday, with plans to proceed from Lahore to the capital, Islamabad. The march has been marred by escalating violence, with police arresting over 100 individuals during a protest on Saturday. The latest clashes erupted when protesters attempted to dismantle shipping containers placed by police to obstruct their path. Demonstrators clashed with police in Lahore before camping in the nearby town of Muridke and resuming their march. TLP leader Saad Rizvi, who was among the injured, urged security forces to cease firing in a pre-dawn video, expressing readiness to negotiate. The protesters aimed to stage a rally outside the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, but police came under fire while attempting to disperse the crowd. The U.S. Embassy had issued a security alert last week, warning of potential disruptions and advising U.S. citizens to exercise caution. The TLP, known for its disruptive and often violent demonstrations, has faced mixed reactions online, with some accusing the Pakistani government of overreacting by blocking major roads preemptively. Pakistan Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry questioned why TLP resorted to violence instead of advocating for peace in Gaza. The TLP, which gained prominence in Pakistan’s 2018 elections by campaigning on the defense of the country’s blasphemy law, has organized pro-Palestinian rallies in recent years, with this march specifically targeting the U.S. embassy to express solidarity with Palestinians.
Pakistan police officer killed as authorities attempt to stop pro-Palestinian march
