Two policemen martyred during clashes with TLP protesters in Lahore

LAHORE: At least two policemen were martyred in the line of duty during clashes with supporters and workers of the banned Tehreek-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on October 22 (Friday) in the walled city.

More than 1,000 people had gathered in Lahore yesterday, blocking roads and demanding the release of the TLP leader, Saad Rizvi, who was arrested in April when the government outlawed the party in response to violent anti-France protests.

Supporters of TLP use mobile phone flashlight during a protest march towards Islamabad from Lahore on October 22, 2021. Image: AFP

“Two police constables were killed today in the line of duty during clashes,” Rana Arif, a spokesperson for Lahore police, told AFP.

Mazhar Hussain, a second police official, said protesters had hurled petrol bombs at officers when they moved in to clear the protest.

“The mob also used sticks and pelted police with stones,” he said.

The TLP has said it will not end protests or enter into talks with the government until its leader is released.
Supporters have threatened to move in convoys towards Islamabad, where police have closed off roads with shipping containers.

Police fire teargas shells on the supporters of TLP during a march towards Islamabad from Lahore on October 22, 2021. Image: AFP

Policemen try to control the supporters of TLP during a protest march towards Islamabad from Lahore on October 22, 2021. Image: AFP

The TLP has waged an anti-France campaign since President Emmanuel Macron defended the right of a satirical magazine to republish cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) – an act deemed blasphemous by Muslims.

Six police officers were killed in April when the TLP staged days of rallies that paralysed roads. It led to the French embassy recommending all of its citizens leave the country.

The group has previously received widespread support from mainstream religious groups, complicating government efforts to crack down on the party.

Punjab CM directs to ensure ‘rule of law’

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar paid homage to the two policemen martyred during clashes with the TLP in Lahore.

Expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyred policemen, the chief minister “saluted their great sacrifice.”

“The government of Punjab shares the grief of the bereaved families,” he added and ordered to provide the best medical care to the injured policemen.

CM Buzdar sought strict action against the culprits who took the law into their hands. He asked the authorities to ensure the rule of law in the city at all costs.

Punjab CM also announced a committee comprising provincial Law Minister Raja Basharat and Prosecution Minister Chaudhry Zaheeruddin to negotiate with the banned group.

تحریک لبیک سے مذاکرات کے لیے ہم نے پنجاب کابینہ کے سینئر اراکین راجہ بشارت صاحب اور چوہدری ظہیر الدین صاحب پر مشتمل کمیٹی تشکیل دی ہے

حضور اکرم ﷺ کی سنت کے مطابق ملک میں امن و آشتی کے لیے ہم سب کو مل کر کام کرنے کی ضرورت ہے

— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) October 22, 2021