Pakistan

‘Much more’ agreed with govt than public knows: Rizvi

Protest leaders say a separate agreement also made with Punjab govt

Arsalan Altaf November 28, 2017

Head of the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan Khadim Hussain Rizvi announces the end of sit-in protest on a blocked flyover bridge during a press conference in Islamabad on November 27, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: The Faizabad blockade and the sit-ins across the country might be over after the army-brokered deal between the protesters and the government, but the fallout and implications of Monday’s controversial accord, which many have termed capitulation on the part of the government, are yet to be seen.

Moreover, Khadim Husain Rizvi, the cleric who led the Faizabad blockade, claims much more was agreed to between him and the government than what was officially acknowledged.

The one-page agreement which has been made public mentions law minister’s resignation, making the Raja Zafarul Haq-led committee’s inquiry report public, the release of all detained protesters and withdrawal of criminal cases against them, and the government taking responsibility to pay for the damage caused during the three weeks of protests.

The last point of the agreement refers to a separate accord between the protesters and the Punjab government and says all things agreed in the accord will also be implemented.

Tehreek-e-Labbaik calls off Islamabad sit-in after govt accepts demands

Though this second accord has not been officially acknowledged yet, protest leaders say their demands therein had also been accepted.

Rizvi claimed it had been agreed with the government that persons convicted of blasphemy would get no relaxation and neither would such people be allowed to go abroad. Another thing he claimed had been agreed was that Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah would appear before a board of clerics to clarify his position with regard to his alleged pro-Ahmedi remarks. This board, led by Rizvi’s deputy Pir Afzal Qadri, will decide Rana Sanaullah’s fate.

Rizvi said it had also been agreed that the government would take his party’s input to include more religious content in school and college curricula. Other demands he claimed had been met included making it easier to lodge blasphemy cases, and relaxation on use of loudspeakers in mosques.

The cleric also said that the government should make all-out efforts for the release of Aafia Siddiqui.

COMMENTS (12)

Raghu | 6 years ago | Reply @Felix: You are right in saying that it is not in our hand. But tell me how many times have we put this demand in front of US? ZERO TIMES.

concerned | 6 years ago | Reply Some arrests had to be made by the military for the inconvenience caused by the mullahs. How can the military make a minister resign and give in to all the demands by listening to these zombies. State have to do away with these actors who exploit religion for their interest and fame. disappointing behavior and thinking by Pakistan army...