Islamabad – The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) announced a long march from Lahore to Islamabad on Friday, with the party’s chief Allama Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi declaring that the march aims to “raise a voice in favor of Al-Quds (Jerusalem).”
Addressing the Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid Rehmatul-lil-Alameen, Rizvi said, “We will march from the mosque to the US Embassy in Islamabad. I will lead at the front, followed by the Shura and then our workers.” He added, “Arrests are not an issue. Bullets and shells are not an issue. Martyrdom is our destiny.”
Criticizing the government, Rizvi said, “For you, embassies are sacred; for us, Al-Quds is supreme. We did not initiate this, but speaking for the honor of the Prophet (PBUH) and for Al-Quds is our right.”
He accused the government of “suppressing voices in support of Palestine” and demanded that “Pakistan should have responded to Israel with the missiles made by Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.”
Security on High Alert in Islamabad
Security in Islamabad has been placed on high alert after TLP’s protest call over Gaza. The administration has sealed the Red Zone and Faizabad Interchange, deploying heavy contingents of police and Frontier Corps (FC). Containers have been placed at all entry points.
According to Islamabad Traffic Police, citizens have been advised to use Park Road, Expressway, Khanna, and Lehtrar Road routes. Entry of heavy vehicles into the capital has been banned until further notice.
Traffic disruptions led to low attendance in offices, courts, and schools. The Metro Bus Service was suspended, causing severe inconvenience to commuters, while ride-hailing and motorcycle services charged inflated fares.
Patients seeking medical assistance also faced difficulties reaching hospitals, and several court hearings were postponed due to the absence of lawyers and litigants.
The Ministry of Interior has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend 3G and 4G mobile services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid the ongoing TLP march.
A directive dated October 9 stated that the ministry had “accorded approval to suspend 3G/4G services in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, starting from 12am tonight till further orders.” It further instructed the PTA to take “necessary action” in coordination with the local administration and police in both cities.
Clashes in Lahore Ahead of the March
Earlier on Thursday night, Lahore police raided TLP headquarters in an attempt to arrest Saad Rizvi, leading to violent clashes between police and party workers.
During the raid, TLP activists attacked police with stones and iron rods, injuring three constables. Police responded with tear gas shelling, turning Multan Road into a battleground.
Videos circulating on social media showed TLP workers fleeing amid tear gas fire, while others displayed spent bullet casings and empty tear gas shells.
According to police sources, TLP had called a large number of supporters to Lahore, who were staying in temporary camps near the party headquarters. When police attempted the raid, TLP activists armed with stones, sticks, and iron rods resisted and forced law enforcement personnel to retreat.
