Islamabad and Rawalpindi face possible internet shutdown amid fears of unrest during radical Al Aqsa march

Islamabad (Uttam Hindu News): The Pakistani government has taken strict measures in view of the "Labbaik or Aqsa Million March" of the radical Islamic party Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP). Due to the fear of any kind of violence, mobile and internet services have been completely shut down in the capital Islamabad and adjacent Rawalpindi. All entry and exit routes of the capital have been sealed with containers, turning it into a cantonment.

This tense situation has arisen after a violent clash between police and TLP workers in Lahore on Thursday. The TLP has announced a major protest against Israel today (Friday) outside the US Embassy in Islamabad. To prevent this, Punjab police raided the party headquarters in Lahore to arrest TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi. This action sparked violence, in which TLP workers pelted stones and attacked police with iron rods.

According to police officials, five policemen were injured in the clash. The TLP claimed that one of its workers was killed and more than 20 others were injured in the police action. Despite all efforts, TLP chief Saad Rizvi remains evading arrest. A large police presence is deployed around the TLP headquarters in Lahore, and tension prevails in the area.

Meanwhile, the TLP condemned the government action, calling it a "despicable tactic" by the Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab government. A TLP spokesperson said, "We were staging a peaceful 'Labbaik or Aqsa Million March,' but the government persecuted unarmed activists. Jews are oppressing Muslims in Gaza, and their supporters are oppressing Muslims here. It seems that showing solidarity with Palestine has now become a crime in Pakistan."