Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi, the son of the now-deceased cleric Khadim Rizvi, has been detained by security forces in Lahore on Monday, the Tekreek’s leadership confirmed.
The move came as a result of taking Rizvi into a pre-emptive custody ahead of the 20 April deadline for the group’s demands to be put forth to the parliament. According to an agreement with the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, the PTI government had to put their demands to the parliament which included policies like “expelling the French ambassador, severing ties with France and boycotting French products”, within three months through parliament.
No first information report (FIR) against the TLP central emir has been registered so far.
Protests broke out at numerous places in Karachi and other major cities following the development.
In a video message, TLP naib emir Syed Zaheerul Hassan Shah said the government had “completely deviated from” the agreement it had reached with the TLP regarding Namoos-i-Risalat.
Protests
Karachi
Following news of Rizvi’s arrest, TLP workers started protesting on several roads and in many areas in Karachi including Baldia No. 4 Hub River Road, Northern Bypass, Orangi Town No. 5, Jinnah Bridge (traffic blocked from ICI towards Jinnah Bridge), Star Gate.
At least one police constable was injured in Orangi Town No. 5 after TLP supporters protesting the arrest of some TLP workers pelted stones on police. Police were investigating the incident.
During a similar protest at Bakra Hotel near Tower, two police constables were injured during stone-pelting by TLP workers.
Lahore
In Lahore, several roads and entry and exit points were closed due to TLP protests. At least three residents confirmed being stuck in traffic jams due to the demonstrations.
Protestors blocked the following roads and spots in the city: Faletti Chowk towards Faisal Chowk; High Court Chowk towards Regal Chowk; Avari Chowk towards Governor House Chowk (now opened); Corporation Chowk Outfall Road; Yateem Khana Chowk; Khayaban Chowk; Muhafiz Town towards Thokkar Chowk EME Road; Darogawala Chowk towards Quaid-e-Azam Interchange (both sides); Chungi Amarsadhu towards Kasur (both sides); Shahdara Chowk from all four sides; Shadbagh; Joray Pul Zarar Shaheed Road; Barki Road; Bhatta Chowk Bedian Road; Walton Road; Canal Road; Cup store Misrishah; Harbanspura Interchange (slip roads); Shalimar Chowk towards Ghas Mandi; Quaid-e-Azam Interchange to Niazi Shaheed Interchange on Ring Road; Bagriyan Chowk; and Sundar Road.
