Islamabad/Lahore – October 14, 2025:

Normal life gradually returned to Islamabad and Rawalpindi after authorities dispersed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters in Muridke through a police operation late Monday night. The crackdown came after violent clashes in which TLP workers allegedly attacked law enforcement personnel and blocked major routes, disrupting intercity traffic.

According to police sources, the protesters pelted stones at officials when they attempted to clear the roads, injuring at least two constables. In response, police fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob and arrested five demonstrators. All major routes in and around Muridke were later reopened for regular traffic flow.

Sindh Government Urges Calm Amid Online Rumours

Meanwhile, the Sindh Home Department issued a statement advising citizens in Karachi to disregard false rumours circulating about unrest in the city.

Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar directed the Karachi Additional Inspector General to take swift action against anyone spreading misinformation and instructed police personnel to stay vigilant.

He emphasized that anyone defying the law would be dealt with under Section 144, adding that anti-riot units and monitoring teams remain on high alert to respond quickly to any disturbance across the metropolis.

Over 100 TLP Activists Remanded by Anti-Terrorism Court

In Lahore, more than 100 TLP members were sent on 11-day physical remand by an anti-terrorism court following their arrest on charges of vandalism and assaulting police officers.

ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul presided over the hearing, where police submitted that the activists were involved in violent demonstrations and had been booked in several cases at various police stations, including 62 individuals at Nawan Kot.

Punjab Government Labels Violence as ‘Treason and Terrorism’

Addressing a press conference, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari criticized the TLP’s actions, stating that disrupting public life and attacking police cannot be justified.

“After peace has returned to Gaza, when people are celebrating calm there, trying to paralyze Pakistan’s cities and creating chaos is unacceptable,” she remarked.

A post from the Punjab Government’s official X account also condemned the violence, declaring:

> “Attacking the state, firing at police, and damaging property are acts of treason and terrorism. The state will not tolerate such behaviour under any circumstances.”

Lawyers’ Associations Condemn ‘Violence Against TLP’

The Lahore Bar Association (LBA) and the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) condemned what they described as the “use of force” against TLP workers.

The LBA announced a strike beginning at 11 a.m. and suspended court proceedings, alleging that unarmed protesters were injured by police and Rangers during the Muridke operation.

In a statement, the LHCBA asserted that every citizen has a constitutional right to peaceful protest, urging the government to resolve matters through dialogue rather than confrontation. The association also demanded the release of detained protesters and legal action against those responsible for the crackdown.

Road Blockades and Internet Disruptions

In Islamabad, traffic movement was briefly restored around Faizabad Interchange, the crucial link between Rawalpindi and the federal capital, but routes were again sealed after 11 a.m. amid renewed panic.

While mobile internet services were operational in Islamabad, several areas in Rawalpindi experienced slow speeds and partial outages — a measure initially taken on Friday to curb the protest’s spread.

Some schools in the capital city announced early closures due to safety concerns. Parents received text messages citing possible law and order issues, prompting them to collect their children early.

Ghulam Abbas, a resident of Margalla Town, said he witnessed panic as schools closed earlier than usual:

> “We got messages to pick up our kids immediately. The situation caused traffic jams, and soon after, I heard Faizabad was closed again.”

In Punjab, authorities temporarily shut down M-2 (Lahore–Islamabad), M-3 (Lahore–Khanewal), and M-11 (Sialkot–Lahore) motorways as a precautionary measure, though partial access was restored later in the day.