More than 350 activists of the banned outfit released, says Rasheed
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad revealed on Sunday that more than 350 TLP activists have been released from various jails in Punjab after a day after successful negotiations between the government and the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The Punjab police conducted a province-wide crackdown after the illegal outfit declared a long march towards Islamabad last week, arresting hundreds of its workers and leaders.
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In a statement, the Interior Minister asked protesters to clear both sides of the Muridke road for traffic, following an agreement between the two parties the day before.
About the roadblocks:
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad stated on Sunday that discussions between the government and the proscribed TLP, which threatened to march on Islamabad, had been successful.
Speaking to journalists, the Interior Minister stated that all roads that had been previously closed to prevent protesters from advancing towards Islamabad would be gradually reopened for traffic.
He claimed that the TLP protesters will not proceed [to Islamabad] and will remain in Muridke until Tuesday.
The Interior Minister stated that the government will dismiss complaints registered against TLP activists until Wednesday, citing the government’s conversations with the TLP’s leadership.
“The proscribed organization’s negotiators will visit the Interior Ministry on Monday at 10 a.m. [to have a second round of discussions],” Rasheed stated.
The Minister went on to say that it was agreed that the cases against persons identified in the Fourth Schedule would not be reopened.
“I met with Saad Hussain Rizvi one-on-one,” he added, adding that the government will look into the expulsion of France’s ambassador to the National Assembly.
The minister referred to TLP activists as “political workers” and stated that the government did not wish to battle with religious groups.
