TLP announces long march to Islamabad on Friday

The banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have announced a long march towards Islamabad on Friday in order to force the government to release its chief Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi, the son of late founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi. It bears mentioning that Saad Rizvi has been kept in detention by the Punjab Government since 12 April 2021 for inciting violence.

The TLP media cell has issued a statement in regards to the long march towards Islamabad. “The peaceful Namoos-i-Risalat march of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan towards Islamabad will start after Friday prayers” stated the party’s media cell, adding that the group had a “Plan B” in case members were restricted or stopped from marching towards the capital.

The party had given the government until Thursday evening to release their leader and chief Saad Hussain Rizvi or they would make an announcement regarding further action. The party had taken out a massive rally on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal and accused the government of using delay tactics in releasing Saad Hussain Rizvi.

There are a large number of TLP members already taking part in a sit-in in front of TLP headquarters at Multan Road in Lahore and the party council members say that they have been protesting peacefully since the past 15 days but have not received any reaction from the government. The party council members added that the government has turned back on its agreement signed between both sides on 20 April 2021.

According to the agreement, the government agreed TLP’s demand to expel the French Ambassador as well as release their chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and all arrested party workers. However, the party’s chief has been in custody of the Punjab Government has not been released.

Faizabad Being Blocked by Containers

Roads are expected to remain blocked due to TLP long march towards Islamabad. The protests may also affect mobile phone services and internet connectivity in several areas along the route of the long march. Containers are being used to block Faizabad Interchange towards Murree Road in preparation of the TLP long march towards the capital.