Police detain protesters in Lahore rally for Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Police in Lahore detained a number of demonstrators on Saturday as they gathered to express solidarity with Pakistan‑administered Kashmir. The rally, organized by local student groups and civil‑society organizations, took place near the historic Lahore Railway Station and attracted participants who carried banners calling for the protection of Kashmiri rights.

According to statements from the Lahore Police, officers intervened after the crowd exceeded the permitted size for a public assembly and began to block a major thoroughfare. Security forces used standard crowd‑control measures and subsequently took several protesters into custody for violating the city’s assembly regulations. Authorities did not release an exact figure of those detained, but local media reported that the individuals were taken to a nearby police station for questioning. Organizers of the rally condemned the arrests, alleging that the police response was disproportionate, while the police maintained that the action was necessary to maintain public order.

The incident adds to a series of demonstrations across Pakistan over the ongoing dispute in the Kashmir region, where tensions have risen following recent political developments. Observers note that the detentions may influence future public gatherings, as authorities balance security concerns with the right to peaceful protest. No injuries were reported, and the detained protesters are expected to appear before a magistrate in the coming days.