The Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has announced an end to its sit-in protest at Wazirabad in Gujranwala district as the organisation’s agreement with the government came into effect. TLP protesters had marched on the federal capital of Islamabad to demand the expulsion of France’s ambassador to Pakistan and secure the release of TLP leader Saad Rizvi. After a tense standoff with authorities blocking their way to Islamabad, the TLP had begun a sit-in protest at Wazirabad.
After negotiations, the government has decided to lift curbs on the TLP as a party, remove its activists from the Fourth Schedule list under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and initiated the process of forming a committee for addressing the TLP demand for expulsion of the French ambassador.
A TLP spokesperson has stated that the activists of the party will now move to Rehmatul Lil Alameen Mosque and urged the government to make good on the rest of its commitments under the deal. The organisation will soon hold an urs to commemorate its late leader Khadim Rizvi, and his son Saad Rizvi, who now leads the TLP, is likely to attend.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, who is in charge of implementing the deal from the government side, has described this process as “Pakistan’s win.”
STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATES :
on TLP Agreement ImplementationCongratulations !
the TLP Dharna has peacefully dispersed from Wazirabad without any further unrest or losses.
Negotiations & dialogue is a key to the solution of many problems.It’s PAKISTAN’s 🇵🇰 WIN
MashaALLAH https://t.co/NZN5PDDBJ3— Ali Muhammad Khan (@Ali_MuhammadPTI) November 8, 2021
TLP activists had equipped their protest camp at Wazirabad with two doctors and a large supply of medicines. Three trucks were being used to deliver meals, bottles of water and other necessary items, while another two trucks were being used for providing blankets to the protesters as the weather turns cooler.
