TLP leadership to face music: Naqvi

Minister says lawlessness won't be tolerated

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday said the government would not take any action against madrasahs or religious scholars, except for the office-bearers of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), individuals or groups, disturbing law and order in the country.

Addressing a news conference alongside Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf, he said that the government respected the right to peaceful expression but would firmly respond to those resorting to violence.

"They will all, like us, gather on Friday to express gratitude for Palestine, not to protest," he said. "We have decided that expressions of gratitude will take place across the world, and in Pakistan, we will express our thanks for what Pakistan has done for Palestine."

Naqvi refuted allegations of no negotiations with the TLP leadership, stating that talks were ongoing "from before they left until the last minute." "Ask the TLP leaders; they themselves will confirm this," he said.

The minister clarified that law enforcement personnel only acted against those who were violent.

Naqvi disclosed that negotiations with the group continued for two days and that a prominent religious and political personality had also intervened to defuse tensions.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting the right to peaceful protest, Naqvi said violence and intimidation would not be tolerated.

"Peaceful protest is your right - do it, absolutely. But if you bring weapons and smash people's cars, then that is not protest," he remarked.

Naqvi reiterated that the government's focus remained on ensuring public safety and maintaining peace.

"The police cleared the road only against the violent people; there was no other action - except those office-bearers," he said.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) had committed vandalism and arson in the guise of protest which is not acceptable at any cost.

The minister questioned the TLP's decision to resort to violence and property damage. "Does any organization have a right to come out on the street and damage public and private property when the whole world is celebrating peace in Gaza," he asked.

The whole world witnessed the protests for peace in Palestine as thousands of people took to the streets in London, Italy and Australia in a peaceful manner, but in Pakistan, the TLP mobilized with guns, daggers and other ammunitions, said the minister who was flanked by Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Naqvi, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf.

Tarar said the TLP's conduct exposed an orchestrated plan to disrupt law and order.

Highlighting the tragic loss of lives, the minister asked what was the fault of the inspector who got martyred because of their firing.

"No religion or constitution allows the killing of police officials," he said.

The minister said the TLP raised the slogans that demonstrate their love for the Holy Prophet (SAW), but their actions of killing the people negate the teachings of our Holy Prophet (SAW).

The minister said police officials also had families who prayed for their protection when they left their homes for discharge of official duties.

He cited the Jamat-e-Islami's recent large-scale, yet peaceful, protests as an example of how citizens can exercise their constitutional right to protest. The constitution does not only grant the right to protest but also impose certain conditions for exercising this right.

The minister said it seemed that the TLP held the violent protests to impose their will because the Gaza peace is being celebrated worldwide.

He highlighted the government's diplomatic efforts, stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the Palestinians at every forum, including at a recent international gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh where Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed gratitude to the PM and people of Pakistan for supporting Palestinian brothers and sisters in every way.

Tarar said the successful diplomatic efforts for peace were met with tears of joy from residents of Gaza, the West Bank, and Rafah as they celebrated the end of oppression.