TLP top leader ‘arrested’ from Okara for issuing threats to CJP

Pir Zaheerul Hasan faces charges of causing public disorder, intimidating judiciary, and obstructing legal functions

Police have arrested the Deputy Amir of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), Pir Zaheer Hassan Shah, for issuing threats to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa.

Sources revealed that Shah was apprehended in Okara, where he had been hiding at an undisclosed location.

Earlier, an FIR had been registered against Shah for issuing death threats to CJP Isa. The case was filed at the Qila Gujjar Singh police station by SHO Hammad Hussain.

The charges against Shah include sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), inciting religious hatred, causing public disorder, intimidating the judiciary, threatening the judiciary, interfering in official duties, and obstructing legal functions.

Read SC alarmed over smear drive against CJ

According to the FIR, during a protest outside the Press Club, Pir Zaheer Hassan Shah incited hatred against the judiciary and announced a reward of PKR 10 million for anyone who brings the head of Justice Faez Isa. The FIR also includes charges against 1,500 TLP workers.

In response, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that strict action would be taken against those issuing death threats to the Chief Justice, emphasizing that the state will not tolerate such fatwas.

During the press conference, Asif condemned the inflammatory remarks made against CJ Isa and highlighted attempts on social media to incite the public to commit murder. He warned that permitting such rhetoric could lead to the disintegration of the state's structure. The Defence Minister pointed out that there are efforts to incite violence in the name of religion, with CJ Isa being targeted through various pretexts.

The minister reiterated that the state would not accept any group dictating terms, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and justice in the country.