ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Thursday accused the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) of attempting to organise a “so-called Gaza March,” not to express solidarity with Palestinians, but to create unrest and chaos in the country.
Speaking at a press conference in the federal capital, Chaudhry said the government has always allowed peaceful protests under proper rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs), but the TLP neither sought permission nor gave any assurance of following legal protocols.
The minister revealed that several people were arrested in Punjab and Islamabad carrying batons, chemicals, glass bottles and other weapons, including tear gas shells and face masks, raising serious concerns about the group’s intent.
“Does this look like a peaceful protest or an attempt to incite violence?” Talal Chaudhry questioned, adding that those detained were confirmed TLP office-bearers.
Chaudhry said the TLP’s actions appear aimed at diverting attention from national security matters, recalling that “even during Indian aggression,” the group had announced a similar Gaza march. He emphasized that Pakistan has been one of the most vocal countries in support of Palestine.
“Pakistan raised the issue of Gaza at every global forum,” he said. “We are among the few nations that have sent aid, admitted Palestinian students to our educational institutions, and participated in global peace initiatives — including the one called by former US President Donald Trump”.
The minister noted that Muslim countries’ diplomatic success has led to Israel withdrawing its troops and Palestinians regaining their rights. “While the world celebrates the progress toward peace, the TLP is trying to spread chaos instead of joy,” he remarked.
Talal Chaudhry criticised the group’s slogan politics, saying: “TLP chants ‘Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (SAW)’ but spreads hate and incitement from the same mouth”.
He urged the group to show real solidarity with Gaza by sending medicines and food, not wielding sticks and chemicals. “Did TLP collect donations for Gaza or to buy deadly batons?” Chaudhry asked. “All institutions are united — such violent marches will not be allowed anywhere in Pakistan”.
He concluded that Palestinians need peace, not political or religious theatrics. “If Hamas has accepted the peace deal, why can’t those protesting in Pakistan?” Chaudhry said. “The government will not permit anyone to exploit the name of Gaza to disturb peace at home”
Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department on Thursday issued an order imposing Section 144 CrPC across the province, banning all public gatherings, protests, sit-ins and large assemblies with the stated aim of preventing violent incidents and thwarting possible attacks by militant groups including the BLA, TTP and other outlawed organisations.
According to the Home Department, the emergency order is effective immediately and will remain in force for an initial period of 14 days, subject to extension if the security situation so requires. The statement said the measure was taken after credible intelligence indicated an elevated risk of coordinated attacks targeting public gatherings, government installations and law-enforcement personnel.
Late Wednesday night, violent clashes between law-enforcement personnel and TLP members left dozens injured after a police raid on the party’s headquarters. According to sources, the Punjab Police launched the operation at the TLP’s Yateem Khana headquarters to arrest the party’s chief, Saad Hussain Rizvi, after an arrest warrant was issued against him. However, the raid quickly escalated into violent confrontations.
“At least five police constables and more than a dozen TLP workers were injured in clashes that continued for several hours,” a senior police officer told reporters on Thursday.
He said enraged TLP supporters attacked police with stones and iron rods, forcing law enforcement to call in reinforcements. “Rizvi managed to evade arrest,” the officer said, adding that heavy contingents of police have since been deployed around the TLP headquarters as tension grips the area.
The TLP, however, alleged that one of its workers was killed and at least 20 others were injured in what it called a “brutal and unprovoked assault.”
At a press conference at the TLP centre, Allama Farooqul Hasan, a member of the party’s central shura, condemned the government’s actions, saying: “The government ambushed us in the middle of the night. Even Foodpanda workers nearby were targeted,” he alleged.
Farooqul Hasan accused the authorities of abducting relatives of slain workers and hiding the body of a party activist, Syed Muhammad Ali Shah. He claimed nearly 50 TLP workers were injured and claimed the crackdown was part of a deliberate plan to provoke unrest in Punjab.
He insisted that the TLP’s protests were peaceful and focused on solidarity with Palestinians.
Farooqul Hasan said the TLP leadership has now reached Islamabad and will announce the next phase of its protest movement soon.
