LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has dismissed the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s (HRCP) allegations that the government was “withholding information” regarding the Muridke operation, which was launched to disperse a Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) march held in solidarity with Palestinians.
The TLP had launched its protest on October 9 in Lahore, announcing a march toward the US Embassy in Islamabad to protest the US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, reached after the two-year Gaza conflict.
The demonstrations, however, turned violent, prompting police to use batons and tear gas against protesters throwing stones. At least 40 police personnel were injured in clashes in Lahore’s Shahdara area, while TLP claimed over 10 of its workers were killed.
As protesters advanced toward Islamabad, Punjab Rangers and police from five districts were deployed in Muridke, where trenches were dug and an operation to disperse demonstrators was initiated.
Following the clashes, the HRCP expressed grave concern over the violence and the lack of transparent and independent information about the operation.
Responding to the statement, Bokhari said the government had made serious efforts to prevent TLP from marching toward the US Embassy, but the group refused to cooperate.
“We launched the operation to maintain law and order,” she told Dawn News, adding that protesters had blocked major routes, including GT Road, disrupting traffic.
Bokhari noted that even the HRCP had acknowledged TLP’s hate speech and rights violations in its own statement.
“We tried to avoid confrontation, but extremist elements do not believe in human rights,” she said.
She further accused TLP leaders and workers of issuing threats and opening fire on law enforcement, resulting in the deaths of several police personnel.
“Even Palestinians, including Hamas, have accepted the peace agreement,” she added, “but TLP chose to march toward the US Embassy with malicious intent.”
Bokhari confirmed that the operation is still ongoing, assuring that the government will release complete details once it concludes.
