Tensions escalated in Pakistan’s Punjab province after police carried out a crackdown on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) supporters in Muridke last month. It has come to light that the TLP has formed a new militant wing aimed at avenging what they call the “Muridke massacre".

On October 13, police launched a “grand operation" on TLP in Muridke as protesters gathered for a march towards Islamabad to protest against the US peace plan in the Gaza war. Heavy shelling, gunfire, and street clashes were reported in the area, which killed 13 people and injured over 150 people.

Pakistan moved to ban the TLP on October 23, citing involvement in “violent and terrorist activities." This marked the latest chapter in the tense relationship between Pakistan and TLP, a hard-line Islamist party that has

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