TLP rally triggers deadly clashes
Banned outfit declares ‘long march’ from Lahore to capital
Violent clashes erupted between security forces and Islamists in Lahore on Friday, killing at least two policemen and two demonstrators, a police spokesman and witnesses said.
The incident happened after thousands of Islamists launched their “long march” from Lahore towards the capital, Islamabad, demanding that the government release the leader of their outlawed party.
The rallygoers had set out for Islamabad to pressure the government to release Saad Rizvi, the head of the Tehreeke-Labiak Pakistan party.
Rizvi was arrested last year amid demonstrations against France over the publication of caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed to prevent the demonstrators from leaving Lahore. Authorities also suspended cellular service in parts of Lahore and blocked roads.
The situation worsened when police tried to stop the rallygoers, witnesses said.
The violence disrupted normal life in parts of Lahore, where residents making their way back home faced problems because of the closure of some roads and continued clashes between police and Islamists.
Police spokesman Rana Arif said two of the police officers were killed and another was injured in stone-pelting by the protesters.
Shipping containers were also being brought in to block the main Islamabad highway and surrounding roads to keep protesters from entering the capital from other nearby cities, towns and villages.
On Friday, Rizvi’s party leader Ajmal Qadri said his supporters launched the “long march” after talks with the government failed to secure Rizvi’s release.
The violence disrupted normal life in parts of Lahore with many residents making their way back home stranded.