Nationwide protests erupted on Monday after Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) claimed its chief, Saad Hussain Rizvi, had been shot and injured during clashes with police in Muridke. The news sparked violent demonstrations across major cities, paralysing traffic and forcing authorities to close educational institutions over security fears.
According to police, Factory Area Station House Officer (SHO) Shehzad Nawaz was martyred after being hit by gunfire during the Muridke operation, while at least three TLP workers and one passerby also lost their lives. Officials said 56 others, including police and civilians, were injured, 17 with bullet wounds.
پنجاب پولیس کا ایک اور بہادر جوان فرض کی راہ پر قربان..
— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) October 13, 2025
ایس ایچ او فیکٹری ایریا شیخوپورہ شہزاد نواز نے امن و امان کے قیام، شہریوں کی جان و مال کی حفاظت کے دوران، ملک کی خاطر جان کا نذرانہ پیش کر دیا، مسلح جتھوں کی فائرنگ سے جام شہادت نوش کر گئے۔ آئی جی پنجاب ڈاکٹر عثمان انور کا… pic.twitter.com/m1TeJ3yDpF
The clashes began when law enforcement moved to disperse the TLP’s long march, which had been halted outside Muridke after roads to Islamabad were blocked. Police said protesters hurled stones, used spiked sticks, and threw petrol bombs before opening fire. Authorities launched what they described as a “limited action in self-defence,” regaining control of the Grand Trunk (GT) Road after several hours.
Officials confirmed that around 40 government and private vehicles were set ablaze. Several protesters were detained, and the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals.
ریاست پر حملہ، پولیس پر گولیاں اور تشدد، املاک کی تباہی اور لوٹ مار یہ احتجاج نہیں کھلی بغاوت ہے دہشتگردی ہے ٹی ایل پی کے مسلح جتھے قانون بالاتر نہیں جب ریاست اپنی رٹ منواتی ہے تو یہ نقاب پوش مجرم مظلوم بننے کا ڈرامہ رچاتے ہیں، مگر یہ سن لیں کہ ریاست کمزور نہیں۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/BLBdaTI9qz
— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) October 13, 2025
The situation quickly escalated nationwide. In Karachi, TLP supporters blocked major intersections at Nala Stop and 4K Chowrangi, pelting stones and damaging vehicles. Traffic came to a standstill for hours before police moved in to disperse crowds.
In Lahore, TLP-affiliated lawyers gathered outside Aiwan-e-Adl, chanting slogans and clashing with police. The Lahore Bar Association announced a strike from 11 am, demanding the release of arrested workers and action against those responsible for the Muridke operation.
Lawyers and men in civvies beating cops of Punjab police in Lahore for using force against TLP protestors in Muridke pic.twitter.com/O6FXlmgWcr
— Israr Ahmed Rajpoot (@ia_rajpoot) October 13, 2025
Authorities closed major motorways, including M-2, M-3, and M-1,1 while train services between Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot saw overcrowding as travellers sought alternate routes.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, security was placed on high alert with checkpoints at key intersections. Road closures disrupted court proceedings and prompted early school closures across the twin cities.
As night fell, mobile services were reported suspended in several districts, with the situation remaining tense amid fears of renewed unrest.