Following a crackdown on supporters and leaders of the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) in Muridke on Monday morning, authorities started reopening roads and restoring normalcy, including in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Police said the operation against TLP protesters camped at Muridke commenced late on Sunday night. They said it had succeeded in clearing GT road and reopening all arteries to regular traffic. In videos shared on social media, the TLP said the main container with its leadership had been set on fire, while clashes had resulted in several casualties.
According to police, Muridke Sadar Police Station SHO Muhammad Shehzad Jhamat was martyred after being shot by TLP supporters. In turn, the TLP has claimed “dozens” of its workers were shot dead while many more were injured in the crackdown. Unconfirmed reports suggest TLP leader Saad Rizvi was injured during the operation.
While main arteries are being reopened, the situation remains tense within several cities, as small protests have erupted over the operation and state action. Police are swiftly dispersing the smaller groups, with sources claiming the government has granted a “free hand” to tackle the demonstrators.
The clearance operation in Muridke followed several days of unrest after the TLP launched a protest march from Lahore to Islamabad on Friday. On Sunday, Adviser to the P.M. on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah urged the group to end its protest and support the government as it tackled tensions on its borders.
Earlier, the protest had turned violent In Lahore, resulting in injuries to at least 112 police officers. The TLP has claimed two of its workers died during the clashes.