Talks with government fail, Tehreek-e-Labaik stages protests; security in capital tightened

The members of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have blocked major highways in Punjab and sealed off entry and exit points of various cities after the Punjab government refused to succumb to the extremist outfit’s pressure to implement the Faizabad agreement, which has been annulled by the superior judiciary.

Security has also been beefed up in Islamabad and adjoining areas after the latest deadline given by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to the government for the implementation of its demands lapsed Thursday.

A heavy contingent of law enforcement agencies has been deployed at the entry and exit points of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A joint flag-march of the army and LEAs was also held in the capital, according to a security official.

The protesters are also on the road in small cities of Punjab like Kamoke, Muridke, Qasoor etc, but the roads remained fully operational. 

They have also blocked various key traffic intersections in Lahore, including the busy Thokar Niaz Beg.

Reports also state that the flow of traffic from Shahdara till the motorway has been choked considerably. There are also reports of clashes between TLP workers and commuters. Law enforcement agencies are reportedly present but are refraining from stepping in.

The TLP leadership's words caused a reaction in Sahiwal as well where party workers created blockages on the Lahore-Multan motorway at Chichawatni bypass and near View Hotel at Lahore-Sahiwal bypass.

TLP spokesperson Sheikh Azhar told reporters that negotiations between the government and the religious party had broken down and Khadim Rizvi had given a call to his followers to come out on the streets and stage sit-ins. The group had been threatening to hold nationwide protests from Friday if its demands were not met. 

According to the media reports the protestors are on sit-in from last two weeks in Lahore, and their demand is to publicize the Zafar ul Haq report regarding Khatam-e-Nabuat bill amendments.