ISLAMABAD: Life in Pakistan’s Punjab province returned to normal on Tuesday after several days of political protests by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which had disrupted transport, communication, and daily routines across multiple districts.
According to police, normal traffic resumed on major highways, including the Grand Trunk Road and motorways, while the metro bus service in different cities became operational again. Schools reopened and offices functioned normally, marking a return to routine life. Mobile data services, suspended since the start of the protest were also restored.
The calm followed a large-scale early morning operation on Monday by law enforcement agencies to dismantle the TLP’s protest camp in Muridke,Punjab where the group’s supporters had been encamped for days. The pre-dawn crackdown, involving around 1,500 officers backed by armoured vehicles and water cannons, led to violent clashes, widespread chaos, and dozens of arrests.
The TLP began its march from Lahore on Thursday, calling it an act of solidarity with Gaza. But officials said the demonstration turned violent as protesters hurled stones, used spiked batons and petrol bombs, and allegedly opened fire on police.
Authorities said order had been restored across Punjab by Tuesday morning.
