PESHAWAR – Authorities sealed the capital city, Islamabad, and suspended mobile internet services across the twin cities to prevent possible unrest ahead of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest scheduled for 10 October.
The Ministry of Interior ordered the suspension of mobile data from midnight, while Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was imposed in Rawalpindi, banning all public gatherings until 11 October.
Officials blocked major entry and exit routes with shipping containers, sealing the Red Zone that houses key government buildings and embassies. Police and paramilitary troops were deployed across Islamabad as the government aimed to maintain order during the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan protest.
Arrests and Police Raids Across Punjab
In the lead-up to the planned demonstration, police launched operations in several Punjab cities and arrested multiple members of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. The arrests followed the group’s announcement that it would hold a protest outside the US Embassy in Islamabad on 11 October to denounce Israeli actions in Gaza.
TLP said in a statement that police raided the homes of its members and supporters, calling the arrests “an attempt to silence peaceful voices.” Witnesses confirmed that late-night raids were carried out in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. During a raid at TLP’s Lahore headquarters, clashes broke out between police and party workers, leaving at least three officers injured.
Police officials refused to disclose the total number of detainees but said the operations were necessary to prevent violence and protect public safety.
Islamabad under lockdown
Security in Islamabad has tightened significantly ahead of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan protest. Containers have been placed on main roads, and checkpoints have been established across the city. Commuters reported severe traffic disruptions, while mobile internet users across Islamabad and Rawalpindi faced complete service suspension.
Public transport routes remain closed, and several markets in the Blue Area and Aabpara neighbourhoods have shut down amid growing uncertainty. Residents have voiced frustration over the restrictions but acknowledged fears of possible violence during the upcoming protest.
Background of Tehreek-E-Labbaik Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, founded in 2015 by cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, represents the Barelvi school of Islamic thought. The party is known for its strong advocacy of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and frequent street demonstrations that have often resulted in clashes with law enforcement agencies.
Since the death of its founder, leadership has passed to Saad Hussain Rizvi, who has maintained the group’s hardline stance. Analysts believe the latest standoff underscores Pakistan’s ongoing struggle to balance religious populism with political stability.
As Islamabad remains sealed off, authorities continue to brace for another major confrontation with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, a party whose influence on Pakistan’s religious politics shows no sign of fading.
