- Saad Rizvi should immediately hand himself over to LEAs: sources.
- Police sources say TLP is involved in “planned attacks and violence.”
- TLP protesters “armed with Molotov cocktails and spiked sticks.”
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: As life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi returned to normal after the police crackdown on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters marching towards the federal capital, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) tracked down TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and leader Anas Rizvi, sources said Tuesday.
Stating that the leaders will be “arrested soon”, sources said the leaders should immediately hand themselves over to the LEAs so that they can receive proper medical attention.
“Nothing can be said about Saad’s injuries. [Rizvi] and Annas [Rizvi] right now,” the sources added.
The TLP protest had intensified when TLP workers insisted on continuing their march, citing similar demonstrations in Europe.
At the center of the repression was Muridke, the high point of the confrontation. A case was registered there in which the police alleged that a rifle found in the hands of TLP leader Anas Rizvi was used for firing during the protests.
Despite claims on social media of “numerous victims,” hospital sources reported few admissions. According to the police report, three people were confirmed dead: a TLP worker, a passerby and a police officer. Other claims remain unverified, with officials describing the higher figures circulating online as “exaggerated.”
There was speculation about the whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Rizvi and other senior leaders.
During the negotiations with the government, the TLP delegation included Shafique Amini, Ghous Baghdadi and Faizi, who met Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab IG Usman Anwar and Allama Tahir Ashrafi, among others.
The sit-in protest in Muridke finally came to an end through a successful operation on Sunday night, after which the GT road was cleared and reopened to regular traffic.
FIR registered
Meanwhile, the first information report (FIR) against Saad and local TLP leaders was also registered at Rawat Police Station, Rawalpindi.
The FIR registered sub-inspector Najeeb Ullah’s complaint, which also includes anti-terror 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 chief Saad, the FIR said, adding that Qari Bilal, along with 21 TLP officials and workers, were armed and possessed Molotov cocktails and spiked sticks.
Noting that the Punjab government has imposed a ban on public gatherings under Section 144 of the CrPC, the FIR says that those named resorted to direct fire on the police, which resulted in Constable Adnan being injured.
Meanwhile, Qari Danish and others assaulted constable Nazeer, the FIR adds.
The suspects are also said to have stolen tear gas grenades and up to 10 sticks with nails, and four Molotov cocktails were recovered along with bullet casings.
Besides, 25 cases have been filed following police complaints, police said.
The cases, registered in Islampura, New Anarkali, Shafiqababad, Gawalmandi, Badami Bagh, Shahdara, include clauses related to terrorism, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, rioting and others.
‘Planned violence, attacks’
The FIR will be taken in the context of the TLP’s involvement in “planned violence and attacks” during its protest in Muridke, police sources said.
They added that the administration held talks with the protesters and ordered them to hold the protest elsewhere. However, during the talks, protest leaders continued to incite the crowd.
In the violence, which took place between the night of October 12 and 13, the mob used violent tactics including stones, sticks with nails and Molotov cocktails, the sources added.
The weapons were seized from the police officers and the autopsy and initial examination revealed that the bullets used in the shooting came from the stolen weapons.
In an attempt to prevent a greater tragedy, police used tear gas and baton charges, however 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 burnt and several shops were also set on fire.
A total of 48 police officers were injured, of which 17 suffered gunshot wounds, police sources said.
Meanwhile, three TLP workers were killed 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, sources said, adding that according to eyewitness accounts, several vehicles were used to try to run over the public.
Highlighting the indiscriminate firing at several places during the protests, police sources claim that several suspects have been detained, while TLP chief Saad and other leaders managed to flee and a search operation is underway to find them.
“Stealing weapons, throwing Molotov cocktails and burning vehicles is in no way a peaceful protest. These elements will be held accountable according to the law,” they noted.
Meanwhile, authorities have restored Metro Bus service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Shuttle service has been restored from Saddar Station to Kashmir Highway. However, it remains suspended from Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station to Pak Secretariat due to containers at D-Chowk.
The administration has said that the route from Faiz Ahmed Faiz station to Pak Secretariat will be restored in the second phase.
The route from Faiz Ahmed Faiz station to the airport has also been restored.
Also, the administration decided to open the Faizabad crossing which had been closed for six days. Directives have also been issued to reopen transport terminals, hotels, hostels, restaurants and markets.
