The leader of Pakistan’s hardline Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party, Sadiq Rizvi, has been critically injured after being shot three times during widespread violent protests across the country. The unrest, sparked by opposition to the Gaza Peace Plan, has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with an estimated 250 protesters and 48 police officers killed. Rizvi’s brother, Anas Rizvi, was also reportedly injured in the clashes that erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement agencies. The violence significantly disrupted major transportation routes, particularly the key Lahore-Islamabad highway. Authorities attempted to clear the route using containers, leading to a confrontation where Rizvi and his supporters were reportedly camped on a container. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration deployed Rangers and Punjab police to forcibly remove the protesters, resulting in open firing and a significant escalation of violence. Reports describe chaotic scenes with heavy engagement between government forces and demonstrators, leading to the high casualty count. This internal turmoil in Pakistan unfolds against the backdrop of a significant peace agreement in Gaza, which has surprisingly triggered widespread public outrage within Pakistan. Despite support for the peace initiative from Prime Minister Sharif and General Asim Munir, the ongoing violence underscores deep divisions and public discontent.
