Pakistan has once again witnessed chaos on its roads as the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) march, which began as a peaceful rally, turned into violent clashes near Muridke. Reports now say that TLP chief Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi has been injured by gunfire, sparking outrage among his supporters and renewed unrest across the country.
The March That Turned Into Mayhem
The TLP’s “Gaza March” began in Lahore, aiming to reach Islamabad to express solidarity with the people of Palestine. Thousands of followers joined the march, carrying flags, chanting religious slogans, and demanding an end to what they called “state oppression.”
However, as the procession moved toward Muridke, it was met with barricades and containers set up by police to stop its advance. What began as resistance soon exploded into clashes, with stones, tear gas, and chaos filling the air.
Police and Protesters Clash Fiercely in Muridke
The confrontation between law enforcement and TLP supporters quickly escalated. According to official sources, protesters tried to remove roadblocks, while police used tear gas and batons to control the crowd. Witnesses described scenes of smoke, shattered glass, and people running for safety.
The TLP claims that police opened live fire on the marchers. The government has not confirmed this, but both sides report several casualties. Dozens of police officers were injured, and many vehicles and public properties were damaged during the turmoil.
Saad Rizvi Reportedly Shot and Injured
The most shocking news came late Monday night when TLP spokespersons announced that Saad Hussain Rizvi, the young and fiery leader of the movement, had been shot multiple times.
Sources close to the party claim he sustained serious bullet wounds and was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
Major media outlets, including The Express Tribune, Times of India, and NDTV, have reported on Rizvi’s injury, quoting TLP officials who say he remains in critical condition. However, independent confirmation about the exact number of bullet wounds or the nature of his injuries is still missing.
Protests Spread Across the Country
As word of Rizvi’s injury spread, protests erupted across several cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad. Supporters blocked main roads, set tires ablaze, and shouted slogans against the government.
In some areas, public transport came to a halt as demonstrators refused to disperse until justice was served for their leader.
Authorities have tightened security in major cities and deployed additional police and Rangers to maintain order. Internet services in parts of Punjab were also temporarily suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Government’s Response and Public Reaction
The Punjab government has urged restraint, saying it is investigating the incident and gathering details from both sides. Officials maintain that police used “minimum force” and only acted when protesters tried to storm the barricades.
Meanwhile, citizens have expressed deep concern over the increasing violence and loss of life. Many call for dialogue and peace, reminding both sides that bloodshed only deepens divisions and brings more grief than gain.
A Nation Waiting for Clarity
As the dust settles in Muridke, Pakistan stands anxious and uncertain. Supporters of TLP are demanding justice for their leader, while the government faces pressure to control unrest without further violence.
At the heart of this storm lies Saad Hussain Rizvi, a man now wounded in both body and cause — symbolic of a nation’s pain, torn between faith and fury. Whether he recovers soon or not, the echoes of this march will linger long in Pakistan’s political memory.
