MURIDKE – The march of a religious party towards Islamabad came to a halt on Monday after violent clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement agencies, resulting in the death of a police inspector and injuries to several others.
According to police officials, the situation worsened when workers of the religious party began throwing stones at police personnel who were trying to stop their advance toward the capital. In response, the authorities used baton charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Law enforcement agencies reported that the protesters were armed with nail-studded sticks, stones, and petrol bombs. The confrontation led to heavy firing, injuring both police officers and civilians. Several participants involved in violent activities were detained at the scene.
Clashes were not limited to Muridke. Protests by the religious party were also reported in Faisalabad, where demonstrators blocked Jaranwala Road before police cleared the route and arrested three individuals. In Burewala, eight police officers, including a DSP, were injured when protesters hurled stones at security forces. Similar incidents occurred in Gujranwala, where police used anti-riot measures to disperse the gathering.
The unrest soon spread to other cities, including Liaquatpur, Narowal, Farooqabad, Chunian, and Ghotki. Supporters gathered in these areas to show solidarity with the main march. Authorities acted swiftly to prevent the violence from escalating further.
Security has been tightened across Punjab and along major routes leading to Islamabad. Officials have urged the protest leaders to engage in peaceful dialogue and avoid actions that could endanger public safety.
In other news read more about Violent Clashes in Muridke: TLP Protest Turns Deadly, SHO Killed and Dozens Injured
The government has also warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in attacks on security forces or the destruction of public property.
