When Gaza Chooses Peace, Why Does TLP Choose Violence? – A National Security Imperative
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
As the Middle East stands at the precipice of a potential diplomatic breakthrough in Gaza, Pakistan faces internal destabilization from Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP)—a group exploiting the Palestinian cause to mask its dangerous pursuit of political relevance through orchestrated chaos.
The Diplomatic Context:
Gaza’s Path Toward Ceasefire
The timing of TLP’s protests reveals their profound disconnection from genuine solidarity with Palestine. As of October 2025, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 20-point peace plan brokered by the United States that includes:
· Immediate ceasefire and hostage exchange
· Phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
· International stabilization forces to oversee transition
· Comprehensive reconstruction and governance mechanism for Gaza
This agreement, accepted by Hamas leadership after extensive international mediation, represents the most significant progress toward ending two years of devastating conflict. Yet TLP insists on protesting precisely when diplomatic channels demonstrate tangible results.
TLP’s Destabilizing Pattern:
Anarchy Masquerading as Activism
TLP’s current “Labbaik Ya Aqsa Million March” follows their established methodology of creating internal crises at moments of international significance. Their approach consistently demonstrates:
· Strategic timing to maximize disruption during sensitive diplomatic periods
· Violent confrontation with state institutions, as seen in recent Lahore clashes injuring dozens of police officers
· Economic disruption through road blockades and forced business closures
· Infrastructure sabotage through internet shutdowns necessitated by their protests
The group’s actions have compelled authorities to implement Section 144 restrictions, suspend internet services indefinitely, and deploy paramilitary forces—diverting critical state resources from genuine security threats to crowd control.
The National Security Calculus: Weakening Pakistan from Within
From an intelligence perspective, TLP’s activities represent a clear threat to Pakistan’s stability and international standing:
· Resource diversion: Law enforcement and counterterrorism units are redirected from critical security operations to managing TLP-created unrest
· International perception: Pakistan appears unstable precisely when it should be positioning itself as a credible diplomatic voice for Palestine
· Economic impact: Transport disruptions and internet suspensions paralyze commerce and daily life
· Governance challenge: The state’s authority is systematically undermined through orchestrated confrontations
As Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry correctly noted, the TLP is spreading “anarchy” under the guise of solidarity with Gaza.
Strategic Statesmanship Over Reckless Street Theater
Pakistan’s genuine support for Palestine manifests through diplomatic channels, humanitarian assistance, and multilateral engagement—not through vandalism and violence against our own state institutions. At this critical juncture, when Gaza’s future hinges on disciplined implementation of ceasefire agreements, Pakistan must reject TLP’s destructive theatrics and maintain focus on substantive, strategic contributions to Palestinian welfare.
True solidarity builds Pakistan’s credibility and capacity to aid Palestine; TLP’s chaos only diminishes both.
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com