Violent clashes erupted in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore after police forces blocked a pro-Palestinian march organized by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party. The march, which was held in solidarity with Gaza following the recent ceasefire, turned deadly as police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds attempting to push through barricades.

The “long march”, organized by the party, began on Friday in Lahore, with demonstrators aiming to reach the US Embassy in Islamabad in protest of Washington’s support for "Israel" during its genocide in Gaza.

القوات الباكستانية تهاجـ م مسيرة مناصرة لغرْة كانت تتجه نحو السفارة الأميركية وسقوط العشرات من الشـ هداء والجرحى pic.twitter.com/PcyoxXy1dt

— Ali. ABk (@Bk_Hanasa) October 13, 2025

The US Embassy in Islamabad had issued a security alert last week ahead of the march, warning of possible disruptions and urging US citizens to exercise caution.

Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar claimed that demonstrators opened fire during the clashes, killing one officer and injuring several others. Police confirmed that three protesters and one passerby were also killed before the crowd was dispersed.

Authorities also reported arresting over 100 demonstrators during earlier protests on Saturday. Police say the crackdown remains ongoing, with continued efforts to prevent the march from reaching Islamabad.

⚡️BREAKING

Pakistani authorities opened fire on a pro-Palestine march organized by the Conservative party Tehreek e Labaik Pakistan (TLP) in an attempt to stop them from reaching the capital and holding their anti-Israel protest outside the American embassy.

According to… pic.twitter.com/8suE6owHyN

— Warfare Analysis (@warfareanalysis) October 11, 2025

Vehicles set ablaze, protesters camp near Muridke

Videos released by TLP on Monday showed several burning vehicles, including a truck carrying party officials. Violence first broke out as protesters attempted to remove shipping containers placed by police to block key roads in Lahore.

After clashing with authorities, protesters regrouped and camped in the nearby town of Muridke, before continuing their march toward the capital.

TLP confirmed in a statement that hundreds of its supporters were injured in the clashes, and accused the authorities of using excessive force.

Meanwhile, TLP leader Saad Rizvi was reportedly injured during Monday’s violence. In a video circulated before dawn, Rizvi called on security forces to stop firing and expressed willingness to negotiate. Gunfire could be heard in the background as he addressed supporters.

Later in the day, the party stated Rizvi had been wounded. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and police say a search is underway to locate him and other protest leaders believed to be hiding in nearby neighborhoods.

Afghanistan expresses solidarity with protesters 

In this context, the Afghan government issued a statement saying "We express our deep sorrow over this violence and the heavy loss of innocent civilian lives. The Pakistani army responded with direct gunfire and violent attacks on the protesters. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire people of Pakistan, and we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded."

This comes as tensions escalate between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which are currently seeing fatal cross-border clashes. This latest violence marks a significant escalation in already tense relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Read more: Pakistan urges Islamic unity against Israeli aggression: Pakistani MoD