Violent confrontations occurred between law enforcement and Islamist groups in Lahore, Pakistan on Friday, as authorities attempted to prevent thousands of demonstrators from proceeding towards Islamabad for a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration near the US Embassy.The unrest, which began on Thursday, escalated on Friday as police employed batons and tear gas against protesters, who retaliated by throwing stones at the security forces.The TLP organisation stated that two of their supporters were killed and 50 were wounded since Thursday, reported AP. Punjab’s provincial government, led by chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister’s niece, has not responded to these claims.This demonstration follows a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, mediated by US President Donald Trump. At Friday prayers in Lahore, TLP leader Saad Rizvi declared to his followers, “We will now march from Lahore to the US Embassy” in Islamabad.He proclaimed, “I will walk at the head of the long march. Arrest is not a problem, bullets are not a problem, shells are not a problem — martyrdom is our destiny.”Witnesses reported police wielding batons and deploying tear gas near TLP’s main office, causing distress to local residents due to the gas exposure.The unrest has affected daily activities in various parts of Lahore, with residents struggling to navigate through closed roads and ongoing clashes between law enforcement and TLP members. Educational institutions in Lahore were closed on Friday.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif‘s administration has discontinued mobile internet services in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi to prevent protesters from gathering in the capital. Authorities have positioned shipping containers along major roads and motorways leading to Islamabad to prevent demonstrator access.The distance between Lahore and Islamabad is approximately 350 kilometres (210 miles).Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry stated on Thursday that TLP had not sought permission for the rally. The organisation contested this, stating they had requested authorisation for a peaceful march supporting Palestinians.
