Security forces in Pakistan massacred TLP workers, killing 280; Maulana Saad arrested

Massive Violence in Pakistan: Over 280 Dead as Security Forces Open Fire on TLP Protesters, Maulana Saad Arrested

Pakistan Erupts in Violence as Security Forces Fire on TLP Protesters; Death Toll Crosses 280

Lahore/Muridke, October 13, 2025: Pakistan witnessed one of its bloodiest crackdowns in recent years after security forces opened fire on thousands of unarmed protesters belonging to the hardline group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The violent clash unfolded in the city of Muridke, Punjab province, where police and Rangers reportedly gunned down over 280 people and injured more than 1,900 others within just a few hours.

According to reports from ABP News, the massacre occurred between 4 AM and 9 AM (local time) when the TLP caravan was en route from Lahore to Islamabad to protest against the U.S. and Israel following the recently announced Gaza ceasefire plan. Security forces used smoke grenades to disperse the protesters before resorting to live firing. Disturbing visuals circulating on social media show dozens of bodies lying near the protest stage as chaos engulfed the area.

Maulana Saad Rizvi Reportedly Injured and Arrested

TLP’s chief Maulana Saad Hussain Rizvi was leading the protest when the shooting began. Eyewitness footage obtained by media outlets shows him appealing to security forces to stop firing. Moments later, he was reportedly hit by a bullet and fell off the stage. TLP sources claim he was later taken into custody by Pakistani Rangers, though authorities have not yet released an official statement confirming his arrest.

The violence marks a new low in Pakistan’s political unrest, with human rights groups condemning the excessive use of force against civilians. Local reports also suggest that TLP offices and protest stages were set ablaze after the firing stopped.

The Protest March That Led to Bloodshed

The TLP march, named “Labbaik Ya Aqsa”, began from Lahore on Friday, October 10, with thousands of supporters joining to protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The group had been demanding the Pakistani government’s firm stance against Israel and the U.S. over the Gaza conflict.

Initial clashes between protesters and police erupted in Lahore the same day, leading to the deaths of at least 15 people. Despite the bloodshed, the TLP leadership vowed to continue the march. On Saturday night, the group reached Muridke, where negotiations between TLP representatives and the Pakistani government continued for nearly two days but failed to reach a resolution.

How the Tragedy Was Planned: Reports of a Late-Night Meeting

Sources close to the Pakistani administration allege that a late-night emergency meeting took place between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, just hours before the firing began. It is believed that during this meeting, a decision was made to prevent the TLP caravan from entering Islamabad “at any cost.”

When Maulana Saad Rizvi announced the continuation of the march at 11 PM, security forces were already deployed around Muridke. By dawn, what began as crowd control turned into one of Pakistan’s most violent police actions in recent history.

Third Major Firing Incident in a Month

This is the third instance in a month where Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies have used deadly force against unarmed protesters. On September 29 and October 1, police firing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) left 19 people dead. A week later, 15 more protesters were killed during clashes in Lahore. With over 280 fatalities reported in the latest incident, the combined death toll in such events has crossed 300 within 30 days.

Observers warn that this escalating pattern of state violence may further destabilize Pakistan’s fragile political environment, already reeling under economic turmoil and public unrest.

What’s Next for Pakistan?

As the nation grapples with shock and anger, questions are being raised about accountability and human rights violations. Opposition parties and civil society groups have demanded an independent investigation into the killings, while social media in Pakistan is flooded with hashtags condemning the government’s actions.

The Shehbaz Sharif administration faces mounting international criticism, especially from human rights organizations, urging transparency and restraint in handling dissent. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the condition of Maulana Saad Rizvi, whose whereabouts remain unclear following the violent crackdown.

With tensions high and protests likely to spread, Pakistan once again finds itself at a dangerous crossroads — where political control is being maintained not through dialogue, but through the barrel of a gun.