One Police Officer Martyred, Several Injured During Violent TLP Protest

Web Desk | 4 weeks ago

Supporters of Tehreek-e-Labiak Pakistan, a radical Islamist party, celebrate after capturing a police vehicle during their protest march toward Islamabad, on a highway in the town of Sadhuke, in eastern Pakistan, Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. Violence at an anti-France Islamist rally in Sadhuke left at least one police officer and two demonstrators dead. They demanded the expulsion of France's envoy to Pakistan over publication of caricatures of Islam's Prophet Muhammad in France. (AP Photo)

Muridke – A violent protest by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in the Muridke area of Punjab’s Sheikhupura district turned deadly as one police officer was martyred and over a dozen others injured during clashes with law enforcement.

According to police sources, the violence erupted when protesters refused to move their demonstration to a less disruptive location despite repeated instructions. The crowd reportedly used stones, spiked sticks, and petrol bombs, and even snatched weapons from officers, later using them for open firing.

Post-mortem reports confirmed that the bullets which caused the officer’s death were fired from weapons taken from police personnel.

Authorities initially attempted to resolve the issue peacefully through negotiations, but TLP leaders allegedly continued to incite the crowd during talks, leading to escalated violence. In response, police resorted to tear gas and baton charges to disperse the protestors.

Despite efforts to avoid a larger tragedy, the protesters carried out coordinated attacks, injuring multiple officers.