Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Thursday alleged the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) is attempting to spread anarchy under the guise of its planned ‘Gaza March’ on Islamabad.
The TLP has announced plans to stage a massive protest for Palestine before the U.S. Embassy, which lies in the high-security Red Zone of Islamabad. Ahead of the demonstration, police across Punjab and in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have launched crackdowns, detaining the group’s leaders and workers. A raid on the TLP’s central office in Lahore on Wednesday night devolved into violence, with the situation remaining tense amidst uncertainty about whether the TLP will attempt to proceed with its plans to march from the Punjab capital to the federal capital.
Addressing reporters outside Parliament House, Chaudhry said the government believed in facilitating peaceful protests as per standard operating protocols, noting the Jamaat-e-Islami had recently staged a rally with no issues. However, he said, the TLP had neither sought permission nor assured compliance with any law. “Was the TLP planning a protest or plotting violence? I will show you the difference,” he said, alleging that several of the party’s workers and leaders arrested in Punjab and Islamabad had batons, chemicals, glass marbles, tear gas shells and guns, and face masks. This, he alleged, indicated violent intent rather than peaceful demonstration.
“Does this look like a peaceful protest or an attempt to incite violence?” he questioned, adding authorities had primarily detained TLP office-bearers.
Describing the TLP as a “mercenary-like” group, he said it operated under the garb of religion while damaging the national interest, especially with regards to security concerns. “It was shameful that you were spreading blatant lies and giving false statements on social media regarding the deaths of your workers. Does our faith allow such things?” he questioned, maintaining the party was misleading the public about the situation in Lahore.
Protest Prep
In Lahore, authorities have placed shipping containers along major thoroughfares, as the TLP has maintained it would commence its march from the city after Friday prayers. A heavy deployment of police has been posted to Multan Road, the location of the TLP’s central office, causing hardships for local residents.
The situation remains tense, as a large number of TLP protesters are facing off against police. According to the TLP, two of its workers were killed in clashes with police on Wednesday night, though police have confirmed the death of just one person, adding the body has been placed in custody of the TLP. The group also claims dozens of its workers have been injured, though police say only seven have been.
Police also say over a dozen cops were injured in the clashes, adding they will register cases against the TLP over the unrest. A second clash on Thursday afternoon ended in a stalemate, though several TLP workers ransacked local businesses and damaged vehicles.
The Islamabad administration, meanwhile, has placed containers at entry points, while the Interior Ministry has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend 3G and 4G services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The order has called for the suspension to commence on 12 a.m. and continue until further orders.