Islamabad / Lahore | NewsOrbital.com — In a dramatic escalation ahead of a major political protest, the Pakistani government has suspended mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and sealed multiple access routes to the capital. The move comes in response to Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) planned “Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March,” aimed at staging a protest near the U.S. Embassy against Israeli actions in Gaza.
To contain the protest, Section 144 has been imposed, effectively banning public gatherings. Authorities also deployed shipping containers and heavy police presence at key intersections to block demonstrators.
The situation escalated further in Lahore, where police raided TLP’s headquarters and attempted to arrest party chief Saad Hussain Rizvi. The operation led to violent clashes between law enforcement and TLP supporters. According to reports, at least one TLP member died, 20 others were injured, and five police officers sustained injuries.
The Punjab government states these actions were preemptive, aimed at preventing unrest. However, TLP officials have accused the government of suppressing dissent and criminalizing expressions of solidarity with Palestine.
With rising public tension and a strong security clampdown, the coming days may test both Pakistan’s internal stability and its democratic tolerance.
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