Gunfire During Anti-Israel Protests in Pakistan, Five Dead Including Police Officer

At least five people have died after police opened fire on protesters from the hardline Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) during demonstrations against Israel. Among the deceased is one police officer.

On Monday, 13 October, police launched a so-called “clearance operation” in the city of Murid. This followed unsuccessful negotiations between the government and TLP on Sunday night.

TLP began anti-Israel demonstrations in Lahore on Thursday. The party later announced plans to march towards the US Embassy in Islamabad. In response, authorities blocked roads from Lahore to Islamabad and suspended internet services.

Police reported that TLP demonstrators threw stones, iron rods, and petrol bombs at officers while firing indiscriminately. These attacks resulted in fatalities among both police and civilians.

A police statement detailed:

• 1 police officer and 4 civilians killed
• Several rioters arrested
• 48 police officers and 8 civilians injured

TLP claimed that their protests initially aimed to oppose the Israel-Hamas ceasefire brokered by the United States. The party later framed the demonstrations as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians.

Abu Sufyan, a TLP activist, told AFP: “Police surrounded us. They were firing and deploying tear gas. They kept shooting continuously for three to four hours.”

Following the operation, streets were reportedly littered with burning vehicles, and the main truck of the party leader was left abandoned. TLP leader Allama Irfan said: “In reality, no negotiation took place. The government only claimed discussions were happening to show the public that they were addressing the issue.”

Fearing that protesters might reach the capital, authorities erected container barricades on major roads leading to Islamabad.

Earlier clashes on Friday had injured at least 50 police officers, according to a senior official. TLP, however, claimed several of its members were killed, a claim that could not be independently verified.

On the same day, Israel declared a ceasefire and began troop withdrawals. Thousands of Palestinians began returning to their homes amid the rubble left by the conflict.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the signing ceremony for the Gaza peace agreement in Egypt. In a statement, he said: “Today’s event marks the end of a chapter of genocide. The international community must ensure that such incidents do not occur anywhere else.”

Pakistan does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.