Police officer martyred, dozens hurt as TLP's protest turns violent in Punjab's Muridke

Lahore (Web Desk): A protest by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Muridke turned violent, resulting in the martyrdom of one police officer and injuries to 48 others. The incident occurred during the night between October 12 and 13.

According to Punjab police, demonstrators resorted to various forms of violence, including stone-pelting, the use of petrol bombs, and striking with nail-studded sticks, which quickly escalated the situation and forced the police to intervene to protect the public.

The police officials said that initially, the administration attempted to negotiate with the protestors and relocate the demonstration to a less sensitive area, but the protest leaders continued to incite the crowd while some protestors snatched weapons from officers and opened fire using those same firearms.

As the situation deteriorated, police responded with tear gas and baton charges to disperse the mob.

However, the protestors grew even more aggressive and launched coordinated attacks. Over 40 government and private vehicles were set ablaze, and several shops were also torched during the unrest.

As per the the police, 17 officers sustained gunshot wounds and were shifted to various hospitals for treatment.

The preliminary reports confirmed that three members of the TLP and one innocent bystander were killed, while around 30 civilians were injured.

The protestors also seized several vehicles, including a university bus, to use during the demonstration, and some were reportedly driven recklessly to endanger the public.

Eyewitnesses stated that violent agitators hurled stones, petrol bombs, and nail-studded sticks at police and opened indiscriminate fire at multiple locations.

Police have arrested several suspects, but TLP chief Saad Rizvi and other leaders managed to flee the scene. A search operation has been launched to apprehend the absconding individuals.

Officials said the incident is being treated as an act of organized violence in which protest leaders incited the mob and then escaped, endangering both citizens and the state.

The police authorities further stated that snatching weapons, throwing petrol bombs, and setting vehicles on fire cannot be considered peaceful protest, and those involved will be held accountable under the law.