Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Wednesday that the seminaries associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have been handed over to renowned religious scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rahman. This follows the federal government's decision to ban the party after violent protests, which led to the deaths of a police officer (SHO) and three other individuals, including an innocent bystander.
On October 24, the federal government imposed the ban on TLP following a series of protests that escalated into violence. During a meeting of the Ittehad-e-Bain-ul-Muslimeen in Lahore, CM Maryam emphasized that seminaries and mosques should focus on educating people in religious matters, not on fueling conflict.
Maryam criticized the violence during the TLP protests, describing the scenes as "unthinkable." "Cleaning vehicles were set on fire, and roads were blocked, causing severe inconvenience to the public," she said, referring to the chaos during the demonstrations.
The Punjab Chief Minister condemned the banned TLP for "acting according to its own agenda," stating that their actions had tarnished the image of religious parties and scholars across the country.
TLP had earlier planned a sit-in outside the US Embassy to show solidarity with Gaza. However, their efforts were thwarted by roadblocks across Punjab, and their protest camp in Muridke was dismantled by police, sparking confrontations.
Referring to the planned protest in Islamabad, CM Maryam stressed the government's duty to protect the safety of all citizens in Pakistan. "Embassies worldwide are respected and guarded, and Pakistan is no exception," she said.
Maryam Nawaz also expressed her disappointment over the ongoing protests, despite the peace agreement regarding Gaza. She criticized the TLP workers for taking to the streets armed and making unreasonable demands from the government. "How can you claim solidarity with Palestine when after the Gaza peace deal, calls were made to attack Islamabad?" she asked.
The Punjab CM urged religious groups to distance themselves from extremist factions like TLP, and called on religious leaders to play a more positive role in guiding society.
Reflecting on the May 9 riots, she noted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) began its decline when it resorted to violence. "Had PTI stuck to peaceful political means, no one would have objected," she pointed out, noting that her own party had never used violence during its political struggles.
Maryam also questioned why TLP protesters had been carrying weapons, revealing that large quantities of arms were seized in police raids on TLP offices.
In a final note, it was mentioned that the whereabouts of TLP leader Saad Rizvi and his brother Anas Rizvi remain unknown, though authorities have confirmed they will be arrested soon.