Blood on the Streets: TLP ‘Final Call March’ Turns Violent, Islamabad in Lockdown

Islamabad Pakistan’s capital has transformed into a virtual fortress as the government braces for more unrest following violent clashes between police and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters on Thursday.
Thousands of TLP supporters, marching from Lahore toward the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, clashed with police, leaving at least two people dead and dozens injured.

In response, authorities sealed entry and exit points of Islamabad and Rawalpindi with shipping containers and barricades. Mobile internet services have been suspended, and the city’s sensitive Red Zone—home to key government offices and foreign embassies—has been completely shut down.

U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert for Citizens

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has issued a security advisory to its citizens, urging them to avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.
The statement warned that “ongoing protests may cause road closures and traffic disruptions. The duration of the demonstrations remains uncertain, and citizens should remain cautious.”

Hotels in central Islamabad have been evacuated, and local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Violence Erupts in Lahore: Vehicles Torched, Dozens Injured

In Lahore, fierce clashes broke out between protesters and police along Multan Road.
According to officials, TLP workers set up camps, pelted stones, and set several vehicles and shops ablaze.
Dozens of police officers were reportedly injured during the confrontation.

TLP leadership has called Friday’s rally the “Final Call March”, urging supporters from across the country to converge on Islamabad.

Government’s Response: “TLP Misleading the Public”

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry accused TLP of staging planned violence under the guise of peaceful protest.
He claimed that security forces seized batons, chemicals, tear gas shells, glass pellets, and even firearms from arrested protesters.
“The group is spreading false information on social media and using paid demonstrators to incite chaos,” Chaudhry added.

Tense Situation Across Punjab

Tensions remain high in several Punjab cities, including Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sheikhupura.
Police have registered terrorism-related cases against hundreds of TLP activists, including party chief Saad Rizvi.
Commercial activity has come to a standstill as markets remain closed and roads blocked by burning debris and barricades.

Who Is Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP)?

Founded in 2015 by the late Khadim Hussain Rizvi, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan is a hardline religious political party known for its strict stance on Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
After Khadim Rizvi’s death in 2020, leadership passed to his son Saad Rizvi.
The party has led several violent protests, including large-scale demonstrations against blasphemous caricatures published in France.

Ban and Restoration: A Controversial Journey

In the 2018 general elections, TLP won over 2.2 million votes, emerging as Pakistan’s fifth-largest political party.
However, in 2021, the government banned the group, declaring it a terrorist organization following nationwide unrest.
Months later, after secret negotiations, the ban was lifted in exchange for TLP’s promise to remain peaceful—
a promise that recent events suggest may have been broken.

Islamabad on Edge as Unrest Spreads

Islamabad now resembles a war zone, with heavy police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps deployments across the city.
Shops are closed, roads are deserted, and checkpoints have been set up around the Red Zone.
Officials have warned that no one will be allowed to enter the diplomatic enclave.

TLP claims the march is to show solidarity with Palestinians, while the government accuses the group of exploiting religious sentiment to create unrest.
With the situation escalating rapidly, the next few hours could prove decisive for Pakistan’s stability.