In a significant escalation of anti-Israel sentiment, several thousand members of a hardline Islamist party in Pakistan have commenced a march towards the capital, Islamabad. This demonstration follows violent clashes with law enforcement in the eastern city of Lahore during earlier protests.
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) initiated its protests in Lahore on Thursday, announcing plans to proceed to the U.S. embassy in Islamabad. Their stated purpose is to voice strong opposition to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which brought an end to two years of intense conflict in Gaza.
The initial demonstrations turned violent on Friday. Journalists on the ground reported seeing police deploy baton charges and tear gas against protesters, who responded by pelting officers with rocks.
The unrest caused considerable traffic disruption in Lahore and in Islamabad, located approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north. In response, authorities suspended mobile internet services and closed major roads. Shipping containers were also strategically placed as barriers across key routes leading into the capital, in anticipation of the protesters’ arrival.
A senior police official confirmed that up to 50 police officers were injured during Friday’s confrontations. However, claims made by the TLP that some of its members were killed could not be independently verified.
The TLP clarified that while the protests were initially organized to oppose Pakistan’s support for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, the current march is primarily intended to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. “We have no demands, apart from showing solidarity with the people of Gaza,” stated senior TLP member Allama Muhammad Irfan as the protesters set off for Islamabad. He added, “We have no idea when we will reach Islamabad, but the government is being brutal with us. We are not negotiating with the government at all.”
Conversely, Deputy Interior Minister Tallal Chaudry declared on Thursday that the government would prevent the protesters from entering Islamabad. Addressing reporters, he asserted, “There is no room for any radical activity in Islamabad.” He also challenged the TLP’s position, questioning, “Why is an agreement that is acceptable to Hamas and Palestine not acceptable to you?”
The ceasefire took effect around noon on Friday, with Israeli troops beginning their withdrawal. This development saw tens of thousands of Palestinians starting their return to their war-devastated homes. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the deal on Thursday as a “historic opportunity to secure lasting peace.” He further committed, “We will continue to work with partners, friends and the leaders of brotherly nations to ensure that peace, security and dignity for the Palestinian people are established.”
The TLP has a history of instigating some of Pakistan’s most violent demonstrations and frequently calls for the expulsion of Western ambassadors. It is important to note that Pakistan currently maintains no formal diplomatic relations with Israel.