Pakistan is in chaos. Several cities on Monday witnessed widespread protests. In Muridke, violent clashes erupted between Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) supporters and police. Conflicting reports have erupted over the condition and whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Rizvi.
According to reporters on the ground, TLP supporters claimed Rizvi was taken away on a motorbike after being injured during the confrontation. Authorities later cleared the area, and the bodies of deceased TLP workers were reportedly moved in containers.
Where is Saad Rizvi? Is he Dead?
According to reports, around 150 injured people were admitted on Monday morning, all suffering from gunshot wounds. Injured included both TLP workers and civilians.
Despite speculation, no official source, including police or TLP representatives, has confirmed Saad Rizvi’s location or condition. TLP claimed that Rizvi was shot and injured, triggering nationwide protests.
Saad Rizvi, 31, is the son of the late Khadim Hussain Rizvi, founder of TLP. He took over the party in 2020 following his father’s death and is credited with educating TLP supporters on using social media to amplify the party’s agenda.
Pakistan Witnesses Nationwide Protests
Following TLP’s announcement, supporters blocked major routes and set tires on fire across multiple cities. Mobile services are likely to be suspended in some areas, and educational institutions, including schools and universities, have been closed indefinitely due to security concerns.
Tension remains high as TLP supporters block key roads, including the M2 Motorway and major routes in Sheikhupura and Muridke. Sit-ins began in Lahore, prompting heavy police deployment. While the Grand Trunk (GT) Road has reopened, traffic on connecting roads remains disrupted.
How it is started how it is going pic.twitter.com/bhMGsNGlWd
— Arshad Yousafzai (@Arshadyousafzay) October 13, 2025
Muridke Protests
At least four people, including police and civilians, were killed, and 56 others injured during violent clashes in Muridke amid the TLP long march. Factory Area Station House Officer (SHO) Shehzad Nawaz was shot dead by protesters.
Pakistan’s Express News reported that police and Rangers launched an operation to disperse TLP supporters after protesters hurled stones, spiked sticks, petrol bombs, and fired indiscriminately, causing casualties among law enforcement and civilians.
Security forces carried out a limited counter-operation in self-defence, regaining full control of the GT Road.
At least 48 police and Rangers personnel were injured, 17 by gunfire.
Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore Protests
TLP supporters staged demonstrations in multiple Karachi locations, including Nala Stop and 4K Chowrangi in North Karachi. Roads were blocked, vehicles damaged, and traffic brought to a standstill. Police were deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order.
TLP-affiliated lawyers protested outside Aiwan-e-Adl, blocking traffic from the Civil Secretariat to PMG Chowk and chanting anti-government slogans. Some lawyers assaulted police personnel, reportedly hurling insults and slapping officers.
All educational institutions in Rawalpindi reopened after a three-day closure. Traffic remained largely normal, with diversions near Faizabad Interchange. Supplementary matriculation exams proceeded as scheduled.
In Islamabad, court proceedings were disrupted as lawyers failed to appear at the Islamabad High Court due to road closures
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
