Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have traced Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and his associate Anas Rizvi, with authorities preparing to arrest them soon, sources confirmed on Tuesday. The TLP leaders are urged to surrender to LEAs, with officials stating that the leaders may require medical attention.
The crackdown follows TLP’s violent protests near Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with reports of TLP workers being armed with petrol bombs and nail-embedded sticks during the demonstrations. The protests, which started as a march towards the federal capital, were marked by violent clashes with the police, leaving at least three TLP workers and one bystander dead, though social media claims of higher casualties remain unverified.
The Punjab police have registered an FIR at Rawat Police Station, Rawalpindi, against Saad Rizvi, Qari Bilal, and 21 other TLP members. The FIR, filed by Sub-Inspector Najeeb Ullah, includes anti-terrorism clauses and alleges that TLP workers blocked roads, snatched police ammunition, and used weapons during the protests. Police also recovered petrol bombs and nail-embedded sticks from the protesters. The police report also highlights the violence that resulted in several injuries, including 17 police officers who were shot.
The violence, which included stone pelting, organized attacks on police, and the burning of government and private vehicles, has raised concerns about planned violence and attacks orchestrated by TLP leadership. Despite attempts at negotiation, the protesters escalated their tactics, with over 40 vehicles destroyed, shops set ablaze, and 48 police personnel injured.
In addition to the ongoing search for TLP leadership, including Saad Rizvi, authorities have restored public services, including the Metro Bus, and have begun opening transport terminals and businesses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
