A mass pro-Palestinian march in Lahore turned deadly on Monday (October 13) after violent clashes erupted between demonstrators and police, leaving at least five people dead and dozens injured.
The protest, organized by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), began as a peaceful rally expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid a newly announced Israel-Hamas peace deal. Demonstrators aimed to march from Lahore to Islamabad to stage a sit-in outside the US Embassy, condemning Western and Israeli actions in Gaza.
Tensions escalated when TLP supporters tried to breach police roadblocks, prompting security forces to use tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons. Witnesses reported that some protesters opened fire at police, triggering chaos. Among the dead were a police officer, three protesters, and a bystander. More than 100 arrests were made, and several vehicles—including a TLP truck—were torched.
TLP leader Saad Rizvi was reportedly wounded by gunfire, though his condition remains uncertain. Authorities cordoned off key roads to the capital, restricted movement in red-zone areas, and temporarily disrupted communications in parts of Lahore and Islamabad.
While Pakistan reeled from the violence, a landmark Israel-Hamas peace agreement came into effect the same day. The deal led to the release of all 20 remaining hostages held in Gaza and a major prisoner exchange involving over 1,900 Palestinian detainees.
The truce includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain areas, renewed humanitarian access to Gaza, and reconstruction commitments. US President Donald Trump, who brokered the accord, arrived in Israel to oversee reunions and deliver remarks to the Knesset.
The Punjab government has blamed protesters for the violence, while TLP insists police initiated the clash—marking one of Pakistan’s deadliest episodes linked to Gaza solidarity demonstrations.
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