Inspector General of Punjab Police has issued a stern warning over the abduction and assault of police personnel during the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan protest, ‘organised to express solidarity with Gaza’. He called it ‘an open challenge to the writ of the state’ and emphasised that such acts would never be tolerated.
“Those who take the law into hands will be dealt with an iron hand. There will be no compromise on the dignity and authority of the state,” the Punjab Police warned in an official statement issued by the Office of the Inspector General of Police on Saturday.
The statement accused the TLP of attempting to destroy public order and carry out a ‘foreign agenda’ under the pretext of showing solidarity with Gaza.
Punjab Police said the group’s violent and armed demonstrations were aimed at ‘creating unrest, causing public hardship, and attacking police personnel’, rather than expressing support for Palestinians.
آخر تحریکِ لبیک کے پرتشدد اور مسلح احتجاج کا مقصد کیا؟
▪️تحریکِ لبیک کے نام نہاد غزہ مارچ کے پیچھے آخر کیا محرکات ہیں؟ ملک کا امن و امان برباد کرنا، عوام کیلئے مشکلات کھڑی کرنا، پولیس اہلکاروں پر تشدد کرنا،سرکاری گاڑیوں اور املاک پر قبضہ اور توڑ پھوڑ کرکے نقصان پہنچانا، آخر اس… pic.twitter.com/J5mVjEKDcz
— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) October 11, 2025
“The violent and armed protests by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan are intended to destroy peace, create difficulties for the public, and assault police officers. This cannot, in any way, be considered an expression of solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza,” the statement read.
The police said, a peace agreement had already been reached in Gaza, and that local residents there were satisfied and thankful to God’ for the restoration of peace. In contrast, the statement alleged, TLP was ‘indulging in vandalism across Pakistan under a foreign agenda aimed at sabotaging the peace established in Gaza’.
“It is clear from such actions that TLP has no concern with peace in Gaza. This conduct is tantamount to strengthening the mission of extremist Zionist groups,” the statement added.
According to the police, armed groups within the protests have been ‘brutally attacking police officers’ while simultaneously spreading a ‘false narrative of victimhood’ on social media to mislead the public.
The force also appealed to citizens to remain calm, avoid rumours, refrain from supporting disruptive elements, and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order.
More than 7,500 officers deployed across city
Meanwhile, City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani, along with the SSP Operations, SSP Investigation, and other senior officials, remained in the field to review security arrangements at regular intervals.
“More than 7,500 officers and personnel have been deployed across the city to perform security duties and manage traffic,” the CPO stated.
Authorities confirmed that Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi, banning all unlawful gatherings. “No illegal assembly will be allowed under any circumstances,” CPO Hamdani warned.
The police chief said that owing to ‘excellent security measures’, the city’s law and order has remained stable. “Those found involved in violating the law or engaging in disruptive activities will be dealt with an iron hand,” the CPO said.
He urged citizens to stay away from unlawful or violent activities and to cooperate with police in maintaining peace. “Residents must not become part of any illegal or subversive activity,” the statement added.
TLP protest paralyses Islamabad roads
The federal capital remains under lockdown for a second consecutive day as TLP protest march advances from Lahore towards Islamabad, prompting widespread road closures, travel disruption, and heightened security.
Authorities have sealed all major entry points into Islamabad via the M-2 Motorway, spanning from Kalar Kahar to the capital, as part of precautionary measures.
Key interchanges at Chakri, Kala Shah Kaku, Fateh Jang, Islamabad Zero Point, and the M-1/M-2 junction (connecting Peshawar traffic) have been closed to the public.
Read More: Security measures disrupt daily life in Rawalpindi
Traffic disruptions have been reported on several key highways beyond the M-2 corridor. These include the M-4 Multan–Faisalabad Toll Road, the M-3 Lahore–Abdul Hakeem Motorway, the M-11 Lahore–Sialkot Motorway, and the N-5 (GT Road) near Muridke, where the protest convoy was last reported.
Commuters using these routes are experiencing significant delays, with authorities advising the public to take alternate routes and avoid non-essential travel.
The National Highway and Motorway Police have urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel towards the capital and delay travel from central and southern Punjab until further notice. Alternative routes are being recommended for intercity travelers.
Inside Islamabad, containers and barricades have been placed at major intersections, particularly around the Red Zone and other sensitive areas.
Read More: Islamabad issues traffic diversion plan for Faizabad
Slower traffic has been reported in the twin cities while there are reports of partial suspension of internet services in select sectors to limit coordination among demonstrators.
Police reinforcements were dispatched overnight from Islamabad to reinforce security along capital’s outer perimeter.
Although the federal government has not announced a timeline for lifting restrictions, officials say that normal traffic flow will only resume once the protest is either dispersed or diverted.
