Pakistani authorities on Friday closed major roads leading to Islamabad to block protesters from the religious group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). They also suspended mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to disrupt communication.
TLP planned a march in Islamabad against the killings in Gaza, which coincided with a regional truce. In response, the Interior Ministry placed shipping containers to block key roads and ordered the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to suspend mobile internet indefinitely from midnight.
Following the protest announcement, Punjab police raided TLP’s Lahore headquarters to arrest its leader, causing clashes and injuries. The Rawalpindi administration imposed Section 144, banning all protests, gatherings, and loudspeakers until October 11.
Security forces were deployed in riot gear across the twin cities, fully sealing the Red Zone housing government offices and diplomatic missions. TLP is a hardline Sunni group known for large protests, including a 2017 rally that forced the government to reverse parliamentarian oath changes.
