MURIDKE, Pakistan – In a pre-dawn operation on Monday, 14 October, 2025, law enforcement agencies launched the TLP Muridke crackdown to dismantle a Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest camp along the GT Road. The action, involving about 1,500 police personnel with armoured vehicles and water cannons, led to violent TLP protesters police clash Muridke, resulting in five deaths and 56 injuries. Authorities acted after failed negotiations, as protesters advanced towards Islamabad.
The TLP Muridke crackdown highlights ongoing challenges in managing religious protests in Pakistan, a nation where such events can disrupt regional stability and economic activity across South Asia, affecting trade routes and diplomatic relations with neighbours.
Operation Details and Timeline
The TLP Muridke crackdown began around 3:30 AM on Monday, 14 October, 2025, and lasted nearly six hours. Police surrounded the camp in Muridke, where TLP supporters had gathered since Friday, 11 October, 2025, for a march to Islamabad in support of Gaza and Palestine. Protesters blocked key roads, prompting the intervention.
According to Punjab Police, TLP workers initiated violence with stones, nail-studded batons, petrol bombs, and gunfire. Law enforcement responded with limited defensive measures, including tear gas and water cannons. The clashes led to the burning of 40 government and private vehicles, including a container truck used by TLP leaders.
A senior Punjab police officer stated that negotiations broke down due to TLP demands for withdrawal of security forces along the route to Islamabad and unconditional release of arrested workers, which were deemed unreasonable.
Casualties and Arrests
The TLP protesters police clash Muridke claimed the life of Sheikhupura Factory Area SHO Shehzad Nawaz, who was shot while maintaining order. Three TLP members and one passerby also died. Punjab Police reported 48 officers injured, including 17 from bullet wounds. Eight civilians sustained injuries.
Dozens of TLP demonstrators were arrested during the TLP Muridke crackdown. An anti-terrorism court remanded over 100 activists for 11 days on charges of vandalism and assaulting police. Search operations continue to apprehend more individuals involved in the violence.
Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar dismissed social media rumours of dozens or hundreds of TLP deaths as baseless, calling them a conspiracy to evoke sympathy. He confirmed TLP chief Saad Rizvi was not in custody or injured.
Spread of Unrest
The TLP Muridke crackdown triggered protests in other cities. In Lahore, hundreds blocked intersections and damaged vehicles. Burewala saw five police officers injured, including a deputy superintendent. Faisalabad’s Chenab Chowk was obstructed for two hours, postponing university exams. Mian Channu had a half-hour highway blockade.
In Bahawalnagar, TLP members blocked a road, leading to arrests and criminal cases. Karachi experienced roadblocks at 4-K Chowrangi and Sindhi Hotel, where protesters attacked police with stones. West Zone DIG Irfan Ali Baloch reported tear gas use and five arrests, restoring traffic.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar ordered heightened alerts and action against rumour-mongers violating Section 144.
In the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, panic led to early school closures and roadblocks at Faizabad Interchange. Mobile data services, suspended since Friday, were restored by Monday evening.
Government and TLP Responses
Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah explained on Geo News that no specific demands were met, as the march to a foreign embassy was unacceptable. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated in a press conference: “Blocking roads and creating inconvenience for citizens, especially when peace has been restored in Gaza, is unacceptable.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif posted on X: “Forming armed groups in the name of religion, blocking roads and holding the public hostage is an insult to religion.”
From TLP, Mufti Wazeer Ahmad Rizvi urged supporters in a video to clear roads and await further instructions. Second-tier leaders called for a convergence on Lahore’s Data Darbar shrine on Friday, 17 October, 2025.
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the operation as state brutality, advocating dialogue.
Background
TLP, known for its hardline stance on blasphemy issues, has a history of protests disrupting Pakistan. This event follows similar actions in 2021 and 2018, where roadblocks led to negotiations or crackdowns. The current protest started in Lahore on Friday, 11 October, 2025, amid global attention on Gaza.
Authorities had arrested TLP activists since the march began, with 112 police injured by Saturday, 12 October, 2025, per Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran. Roads like M-2, M-3, and M-11 were closed temporarily.
The TLP protesters police clash Muridke underscores tensions between religious groups and the state, with economic costs from disrupted transport estimated at PKR 500 million daily in lost trade.
What’s Next
As calm returns, attention turns to potential escalations. TLP’s call for a Lahore protest on 17 October, 2025, could reignite unrest. Government officials indicate readiness for further action if roads are blocked again.
The TLP Muridke crackdown may prompt reviews of protest laws, but for now, authorities emphasise restoring order.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 14th, 2025
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