The Interior Minister, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, stated on Sunday (24 October) that 350 TLP activists have been released from various Punjab jails following successful negotiations between the government and the outlawed organization Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The Punjab police had launched a crackdown on the banned group in the region. It came after the gang announced a protracted march to Islamabad the previous week. Many of the organization’s workers and leaders were also detained by the police.
The interior ministry issued a statement urging demonstrators to clear both sides of the Muridke road for traffic. He gave directions in accordance with an agreement established between the two parties a day before.
Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad claimed on Sunday that discussions between the government and the proscribed TLP, which had threatened to march on Islamabad, had been successful. Furthermore, he said that all the routes that had been closed earlier to prevent demonstrators from advancing towards Islamabad will be progressively reopened for traffic.
Also read: http://theverified.com.pk/pakistan-to-withdraw-cases-against-tlp-sheikh-rasheed/
In addition, he claimed that the TLP demonstrators will not travel to Islamabad and will remain in Muridke until Tuesday. He stated that the government will dismiss the cases filed against TLP activists until Wednesday.
Rasheed said, “The negotiators of the proscribed organization will visit the Interior Ministry on Monday at 10 am to hold the second round of talks.” He went on to say that the cases against people identified in the Fourth Schedule would not be reopened.
He said, “I had a one-on-one encounter with Saad Hussain Rizvi.” He also stated that the administration will address the subject of France’s ambassador to the National Assembly being expelled.
The minister referred to TLP activists as “political workers,” and stated that the government did not wish to battle with religious groups.
