According to Punjab Police spokesperson, the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) dispersed the protesters. He said that violent clashes broke out in Muridke as law enforcement agencies launched an operation to disperse TLP protesters identified as “instigators of unrest”.
As the operation commenced, workers of TLP reportedly responded with stone-pelting, and later escalated to using spiked clubs and petrol bombs.
The police spokesperson stated that indiscriminate gunfire was also opened by the TLP members, resulting in casualties among both civilians and law enforcement personnel.
Tragically, one station house officer (SHO) on duty was martyred, and 48 police personnel sustained injuries, 17 of whom were wounded by gunfire, he said.
Earlier, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that holding peaceful protest is the right of every one, but the state will not be black mailed at the hands of few miscreants.
The state minister said we will not allow anyone to incite violence and create chaos in the name of protest.
The past is a witness that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) attacked national property in the form of a group. There is no scope for the politics and demands of groups to be accepted, the minister said.
He said that happiness is being celebrated on the Gaza peace agreement. The Palestinians have prostrated themselves in gratitude for the Gaza peace agreement. What is the reason for this protest after the resolution of the Gaza and Palestine issue? The biggest party is the people of Gaza. They are happy. Why are protests being held in the name of the people of Gaza?, he questioned.
He said no force was used to stop the protesters from coming adding that everyone has the right to protest but with certain conditions.
We are in touch with the provincial governments, efforts are being made to stop these people without using force, the government will not allow such gatherings and demonstrations to continue.
The Minister of State said that today, government and private institutions are working in Islamabad, we have arrested some people, the roads have been opened, if there is any obstacle, it is to protect the citizens from these miscreants, the law will be enforced, the protest has to be done within the law, whatever losses there may be, those leading the protesters are responsible.
