- Saad Rizvi should go to LEA immediately: sources.
- Police sources say the TLP is involved in “planned attacks and violence.”
- TLP demonstrators “armed with Molotov cocktails and sticks stuck with nails”.
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: As life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi returned to normal after police crackdown on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters marching towards the federal capital, law enforcement agencies (LEA) tracked down TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and leader Anas Rizvi, the sources said Tuesday.
Noting that the leaders will be “arrested soon”, sources said the leaders should immediately report to the LEAs so that they can receive proper medical treatment.
“Nothing can be said about Saad’s injuries [Rizvi] and Anas [Rizvi] at present,” the sources added.
The TLP protest intensified as TLP workers insisted on continuing their march, citing similar protests in Europe.
At the heart of the repression was Muridke, the flashpoint of the confrontation. A case was registered there with police alleging that a rifle found at the home of TLP leader Anas Rizvi was used to fire live ammunition during the protests.
Despite social media claims of “many casualties,” hospital sources reported few admissions. According to the police report, three people – a TLP employee, a passerby and a police officer – were confirmed dead. Other claims remain unverified, with officials calling the higher figures circulated online “exaggerated.”
Speculation was rife about the fate of TLP leader Saad Rizvi and other senior leaders.
During negotiations with the government, the TLP delegation included Shafique Amini, Ghous Baghdadi and Faizi, who met Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, IG of Punjab Usman Anwar and Allama Tahir Ashrafi, among others.
The sit-in protest in Muridke finally ended with a successful operation on Sunday evening, after which the GT Road was cleared and reopened for regular traffic.
Registered in FIR
Meanwhile, the first information report (FIR) was also registered against Saad and local TLP leaders at Rawat police station, Rawalpindi.
The FIR registered sub-inspector Najeeb Ullah’s complaint, which also includes anti-terrorism clauses, names Saad, Qari Bilal and 21 others and alleges that the TLP workers blocked the road and tried to snatch ammunition from the police.
The road was blocked on the directives of TLP leader Saad, the FIR read, adding that Qari Bilal, along with 21 TLP officials and workers, were armed and possessed Molotov cocktails and sticks stuck with nails.
Noting that the Punjab government has imposed a ban on public gatherings under Section 144 of the CrPC, the FIR claims that the named persons resorted to direct firing aimed at the police, which injured constable Adnan.
Meanwhile, Qari Danish and others assaulted constable Nazeer, the FIR added.
It also says the suspects seized tear gas shells and up to 10 nail-encrusted sticks, and that four Molotov cocktails were recovered along with shell casings.
In addition, 25 complaints were filed against the police, the police said.
The cases, registered in Islampura, New Anarkali, Shafiqababad, Gawalmandi, Badami Bagh, Shahdara, include clauses related to terrorism, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, riots and others.
“Planned violence, attacks”
The FIR must be taken in the context of the TLP’s involvement in “planned violence and attacks” during the Muridke protest, police sources said.
They added that the administration held talks with the protesters and ordered them to hold the demonstration elsewhere. However, during the talks, protest leaders continued to incite the crowd.
During the violence, which took place on the night of October 12-13, the crowd resorted to violent tactics, including throwing stones, sticks embedded with nails and Molotov cocktails, sources added.
The weapons were taken from the police. The autopsy and initial examination revealed that the bullets used in the shootings came from the stolen weapons.
In an attempt to prevent a major tragedy, police used tear gas and baton blows, but protesters became more agitated and carried out organized attacks on police personnel and vehicles.
During the violence, at least 40 government and private vehicles were set on fire and several shops were also set on fire.
In total, 48 police officers were injured, including 17 by bullets, police sources said.
Meanwhile, three TLP workers died along with a bystander in the violent clashes. Initial reports show that at least 30 civilians were also injured.
Additionally, TLP protesters hijacked a university bus and used it in their protest, the sources said, adding that according to eyewitness accounts, several vehicles were used to try to run over the public.
Highlighting indiscriminate firing at several locations during the protests, police sources say several suspects have been arrested while TLP leader Saad and other leaders managed to flee and a search operation is underway to track them down.
“Grabing weapons, throwing Molotov cocktails and burning vehicles does not constitute peaceful protest. Such elements will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” they noted.
Meanwhile, authorities have restored Metro Bus service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Travel service has been restored from Saddar Railway Station to Kashmir Highway. However, he remains suspended from Faiz Ahmed Faiz station to Pak Secretariat due to containers at D-Chowk.
The administration said the road from Faiz Ahmed Faiz Railway Station to Pak Secretariat would be restored in the second phase.
The route from Faiz Ahmed Faiz railway station to the airport has also been restored.
Besides, the administration has decided to open the Faizabad interchange which was closed for six days. Guidelines have also been issued to reopen transport terminals, hotels, hostels, restaurants and markets.
