Pakistan’s internal security situation appeared to deteriorate further on Sunday as authorities launched a massive crackdown on the far-right Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), detaining at least 170 people across Punjab and sealing routes to block the party’s planned march on Islamabad, Dawn reported.

Large contingents of police and Pakistan Rangers were deployed to Muridke early Sunday, surrounding the TLP protest camp in what appeared to be preparations for a large-scale operation. Law enforcement officers reportedly dug trenches and blocked routes to prevent TLP supporters from advancing toward the capital.

Earlier, TLP supporters had camped at Muridke, located near Lahore and approximately four hours away from Islamabad. The group continues to struggle to reach the cap

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