Islamabad and Rawalpindi Return to Normal After TLP Protests

Following the police action against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters heading towards the federal capital, life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has begun to normalize. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have reportedly located TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and leader Anas Rizvi, according to sources.

Sources suggest that the leaders will be apprehended shortly and have been advised to turn themselves in to the LEAs to ensure they receive proper medical care. The current health status of Saad Rizvi and Anas Rizvi remains unknown, the sources noted.

The TLP’s demonstrations escalated as members pressed forward, drawing parallels to protests in Europe.

Muridke: The Focal Point

The primary point of conflict was Muridke. A legal case has been filed there, with police alleging that a rifle recovered from TLP leader Anas Rizvi was discharged during the demonstrations.

Despite social media claims of widespread casualties, hospital reports indicate limited admissions. Police reports confirm the deaths of three individuals: a TLP member, an uninvolved bystander, and a police officer. Other claims are still unverified, with officials describing the figures circulating online as inflated.

Speculation continues regarding the whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Rizvi and other prominent figures within the organization.

Negotiations and Resolution

During discussions with the government, the TLP delegation comprised Shafique Amini, Ghous Baghdadi, and Faizi, who engaged with Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab IG Usman Anwar, and Allama Tahir Ashrafi, among others.

The protest sit-in at Muridke concluded on Sunday night following a successful operation, leading to the clearing and reopening of the GT Road for traffic.

Legal Actions

A first information report (FIR) has been filed against Saad and local TLP leaders at the Rawat Police Station in Rawalpindi.

The FIR, filed by Sub-Inspector Najeeb Ullah, includes clauses related to terrorism and names Saad, Qari Bilal, and 21 others. It alleges that TLP members blocked the road and attempted to seize ammunition from the police.

According to the FIR, the road blockade was initiated under the direction of TLP chief Saad. It further states that Qari Bilal, along with 21 other TLP officials and members, were armed and in possession of petrol bombs and sticks embedded with nails.

The FIR also mentions that the Punjab government has prohibited public gatherings under Section 144 of the CrPC, and those named allegedly opened fire on the police, resulting in injuries to Constable Adnan.

Additionally, Qari Danish and others are accused of assaulting Constable Nazeer, the FIR states.

The FIR also alleges that the suspects seized tear gas canisters, approximately 10 nail-embedded sticks, and four petrol bombs. Shell casings were also recovered from the scene.

Police sources indicate that the FIR is based on TLP’s involvement in premeditated violence and attacks during the Muridke protest.

Authorities report that they engaged in discussions with the protesters, instructing them to relocate their demonstration. However, the protest leaders allegedly continued to incite the crowd throughout these discussions.

The unrest, which occurred between the nights of October 12 and 13, involved the use of violent methods by the mob, including stone throwing, nail-embedded sticks, and petrol bombs, according to sources.

Weapons were taken from police officers, and post-mortem examinations revealed that the bullets fired originated from the stolen weapons.

Police employed tear gas and baton charges in an attempt to prevent a major incident; however, protesters reportedly became more aggressive and launched organized assaults on police officers and vehicles.

During the clashes, at least 40 government and private vehicles were set on fire, and several shops were also burned.

Police sources report that 48 police officers were injured, including 17 who sustained gunshot wounds.

Furthermore, three TLP members and a bystander were killed in the violent confrontations. Initial reports indicate that at least 30 civilians were also injured.

Sources added that TLP protesters hijacked a university bus and used it in their demonstration. Eyewitness accounts suggest that several vehicles were used in attempts to run over members of the public.

Police sources emphasized the indiscriminate firing by protesters at various locations and mentioned that several suspects have been arrested, while TLP chief Saad and other leaders managed to escape. A search operation is currently underway to locate them.

Authorities stated that seizing weapons, throwing petrol bombs, and torching vehicles do not constitute a peaceful protest and that those involved will be held legally responsible.

Metro Bus Service Resumes

The Metro Bus service has been restored in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The service is operational from Saddar Station to Kashmir Highway but remains suspended from Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station to Pak Secretariat due to the presence of containers at D-Chowk.

Authorities have announced that the route from Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station to Pak Secretariat will be restored in the next phase.

The route from Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station to the airport has also been reopened.