TLP-police clash kills 4 cops, injures 250 workers

Supporters of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan take part in a protest march towards Islamabad, in eastern Pakistan. Pic/AP/PTI

At least four policemen were killed and over 250 injured as thousands of workers of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) clashed with law-enforcement personnel near Sadhoke in Gujranwala district in Pakistan's Punjab province on Wednesday, local media reported.

Taking to Twitter, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said that the four police personnel were killed due to firing by TLP workers, adding that 253 others had been injured in the violence. He further said that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in the violence, Dawn reported.

Earlier in the day, the TLP's central committee accused Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid of falsely claiming that matters between it and the government had been settled. Dawn reported that the committee further said the protesters would now depart from Muridke soon for their announced destination of Islamabad to demonstrate against the government over cases registered against its top leaders and activists.

Citing a statement issued by the group's central committee, the publication reported TLP leader Syed Sarwar Shah Saifi as saying, "Sheikh Rashid lied yesterday that matters have been resolved. He also lied about contact [with us] at 8 pm - from them till now no government official, including Sheikh, has contacted [us]."

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