TLP Protest in Lahore turned violent on Monday as supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan clashed with police while demonstrating in solidarity with Gaza. The protest, aimed at condemning the American alliance and showing support for Palestinians, quickly escalated when security forces attempted to disperse crowds near Shahdara Town.
Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, urged the TLP leadership to call off their march and stand with the government and armed forces, emphasizing the need for national unity.
He noted that other political and religious parties have also voiced concerns over the protest.
Sanaullah mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir had taken a firm stance on Gaza, which led to a ceasefire through diplomatic efforts.
Traffic and Communication Updates according to Lahore Traffic Police:
- As the TLP protest continues, authorities have partially reopened several key roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
- Mobile internet services have also been partially restored in some areas.
- Rawalpindi Traffic Police reported that out of 43 blocked locations, six have been fully reopened and 35 partially cleared.
- Faizabad remains completely closed for the third consecutive day.
- Traffic is flowing smoothly on key routes like Murree Road, Mall Road, and Peshawar Road.
- Roads open for traffic between Islamabad and Rawalpindi include Khanna Pul and Kurri Road.
- Other major roads like Jhelum Road, Kacheri Chowk, Sawan Bridge, Old Airport Road, Adiala Road, Kalma Chowk, Chakri Road, and various interchanges (Chakri, Fateh Jang Toll Plaza, Thalian) are also reported to have smooth traffic flow.
- Traffic flow is also normal at Chungi No. 26 and T-Chowk Rawat, and in all tehsils of Rawalpindi.
According to Islamabad Traffic Police:
- Red Zone Closures: Entry points to the Red Zone remain closed, with Margalla Road being the only accessible route.
- Other Closures: Suharwardy Road (from Serena to Aabpara) and the route from Jinnah Square Flyover to Serena Hotel are closed.
Open Routes:
- Expressway is open from Zero Point to Khanna.
- Margalla Road is accessible from Golra to Trail Three, and from E-11 Flyover to F-6 Hill Road.
- Traffic is flowing on Jinnah Avenue and Seventh Avenue.
- Routes from Korang to Bani Gala, Jinnah Road to Park Road, Iran Avenue to Margalla Road, Sangjani GT Road, and Srinagar Highway (from Chungi No. 26 to Chand Tara Flyover) are all open.
Faizabad Area Diversions: Heavy traffic entry into Islamabad is suspended, and diversions are in place near Faizabad.
- Motorists travelling to Rawalpindi from Rawal Dam Chowk are advised to use Park Road.
- Those heading to the airport should use Kashmir Chowk and Srinagar Highway.
- I-8 residents are advised to use Zero Point, Srinagar Highway, Club Road, and Park Road.
- Those coming from Koral should use Khanna Pul, Lehtrar Road, Tramri Chowk, and Rawal Dam Chowk.
Security and Law & Order:
- Islamabad DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq visited Faizabad to review the law and order situation.
- He assured that security and order in the capital will be maintained “at all costs.”
Clashes in Lahore:
- In Lahore, violent clashes occurred between TLP protesters and police.
- The conflict resulted in 112 police personnel injured and the arrest of over 100 protesters.
- The chairman of TLP Saad Hussain Rizvi was also injured during firing by Police.
- Protesters also vandalized the Shahdara Town police station and damaged public and private property.
