Five killed as security forces crack down on anti-West march in Pakistan
At least five people were killed and dozens were injured after Pakistani security forces launched a clearance operation near Lahore against demonstrators demanding the expulsion of US and other Western ambassadors for their unconditional support of Israel.
On Monday, authorities carried out a “dispersal operation” in Muridke, a town north of Lahore, where over 7,000 supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) had gathered during their march towards the capital, Islamabad.
Police stated that TLP activists "resorted to stone pelting, spiked batons, and petrol bombs" and opened "indiscriminate fire, resulting in casualties among civilians and law enforcement personnel."
"One police officer and four civilians died," the police statement said, adding that several protesters were arrested, while 48 law enforcement personnel and eight civilians were injured.
The incident occurred after negotiations between TLP and the government failed on Sunday.
TLP launched its protests in the eastern city of Lahore on Thursday, planning to march towards the US embassy in Islamabad, prompting authorities to block major roads between the two cities.
The group has been behind some of Pakistan’s most violent demonstrations and often urges the government in Islamabad to expel US and Western ambassadors.
TLP initially said the protests were organized to express opposition to the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Pakistan has also endorsed the ceasefire deal, which comes after two years of Israel’s genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
The TLP, however, later claimed that its protest was an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Pakistan remains a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, and in line with its pro-Palestinian approach, does not recognize the Israeli entity.
The developments came at a time when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was in Egypt to attend the signing ceremony of the Gaza deal.
"Today's ceremony marks the closing of a genocidal chapter, one that the international community must ensure is never repeated anywhere again," Sharif wrote on X.
Alhamdolillah, arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh this morning to attend the signing ceremony of the landmark Gaza peace plan — a crucial step towards lasting peace in the Middle East.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 13, 2025
Grateful to our co-hosts, President El Sisi and President Trump. We would not have seen this moment… pic.twitter.com/JAlipZuvP1
Israel declared a ceasefire and began pulling back its troops at around noon on Friday, as tens of thousands of Palestinians began the journey towards their devastated homes.
Trump unveiled the plan at the White House on September 29, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, Ghazi Hamad, a member of the Hamas political bureau, warned that Netanyahu’s cabinet continues to threaten further attacks on Gaza despite a truce deal.
He called on the international community to exert pressure and take action to prevent Israel from striking Gaza again and to ensure the implementation of the agreement.
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