Pakistan on Edge as Violent Protests Erupt Over Gaza

Pakistan's Punjab province was plunged into chaos this week as violent clashes between police and supporters of the hardline Islamist group, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), left at least 15 people dead, including a police officer, and scores injured .

The unrest began on October 9 when the TLP started protests in Lahore, announcing a "long march" towards the U.S. embassy in Islamabad . The protest was organized to voice opposition to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with the group aiming to express solidarity with the people of Gaza .

The demonstrations quickly turned violent. Police launched baton charges and fired tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters, who retaliated by pelting stones . A senior TLP member claimed the group had "no demands, apart from showing solidarity with the people of Gaza," but accused the government of being "brutal" in its response .

The situation escalated dramatically in the town of Muridke, near Lahore, where TLP supporters had set up a protest camp. Overnight, Punjab Police launched a massive crackdown. In a statement, police said they opened fire after protesters resorted to stone-pelting, used spiked batons and petrol bombs, and then engaged in "indiscriminate firing" . The TLP, however, has accused paramilitary Rangers of using sophisticated weapons against them .

The human cost has been significant. Pakistani media reported that dozens of officers were also injured in the clashes . A viral video from the protests captured the sounds of intense gunfire, with a TLP leader claiming that 11 of its members had been killed .

The TLP also claimed its chief, Saad Hussain Rizvi, was shot and injured during the police action, a claim that has sparked further panic .

In response to the escalating violence, the government has taken severe measures. Authorities have closed major roads and motorways connecting Lahore and Islamabad, using shipping containers as barriers to block the protesters' advance .

Mobile and internet services were also suspended in parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi . Officials have arrested over 100 people linked to the TLP in a bid to stabilize the security situation .

Pakistan's Minister Talal Chaudhry condemned the TLP, accusing the group of exploiting the Gaza crisis for "political gain" and reaffirming that the government would not tolerate violence or coercion by any organization .