Three more FIRs registered against TLP chief Saad Rizvi, others

LAHORE: Muridke police have registered three more FIRs against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Hafiz Saad Rizvi, his brother Anas Rizvi, members of the party’s consultative council, and several protesters.

This brings the total number of FIRs registered against TLP leaders at the City Police Station to four.

All four cases accuse Saad Rizvi, Anas Rizvi, and other senior TLP leaders of incitement, instigating arson and violence, spreading hatred against the government, state institutions, police and administration, and provoking people to rise against the state.

According to the newly registered FIRs, police arrested 104 more suspects. In the earlier FIR, four arrests had been made — bringing the total number of detainees to 108.

All four FIRs were registered on behalf of police personnel, who stated that the arrested protesters were found in possession of petrol bombs, pistols, sticks, batons, and stones.

The three new FIRs include 30 serious charges, such as attempted murder, armed confrontation with police, blocking roads, and torching public and private property. They also contain two anti-terrorism clauses — Sections 6 and 7 — which carry punishments of life imprisonment or death upon conviction.

Meanwhile, another case has been filed against 200 TLP workers for allegedly pelting stones at vehicles on the motorway and damaging a government vehicle’s window.

The FIR, lodged at Sadar Police Station in Sheikhupura, includes 12 charges such as rioting, arson, and destruction of government and private property.

TLP petitions LHC for release of bodies

Meanwhile, the TLP has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking the release of bodies of its workers allegedly killed by law enforcement firing in Muridke.

The petition has made the federal government, Lahore police, and other officials as respondents.

On Monday morning, a police operation in Muridke left one police SHO dead and 48 personnel injured, including 17 who sustained gunshot wounds. Police also reported that three TLP protesters and one passer-by were killed, while eight civilians were injured.

The TLP petition also requested the court to summon party chief Saad Rizvi, claiming that a peaceful march was attacked by law enforcement agencies.

The petition stated that TLP leaders waited 26 hours for negotiations, but no government representative arrived. It alleged that the operation was carried out on government orders, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

The party urged the court to direct authorities to hand over the bodies of the deceased to their families and to ensure medical treatment for the injured at government hospitals.

Police hunt for TLP chief Saad Rizvi

Police have launched a search operation to arrest TLP chief Saad Rizvi, his brother, and other leaders who allegedly fled after violent clashes in Muridke.

According to police sources, the TLP protest turned into a coordinated violent campaign, with party leaders inciting the crowd before escaping, endangering both citizens and the state.

“Snatching weapons, hurling petrol bombs, and burning vehicles cannot be termed peaceful protest,” police officials said, adding that those involved will be held accountable under the law.

Police said the violence erupted between October 12 and 13, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to dozens of personnel. Law enforcement dispersed the rioters after prolonged chaos.

Authorities said that they initially held talks with the protesters, asking them to move to a less disruptive area, but TLP leaders allegedly continued to incite the crowd.

According to the police, TLP protesters used stones, nail-studded sticks, and petrol bombs, and even snatched weapons from police officers to open fire.

Forensic reports suggested the bullets used in the firing came from the snatched weapons. Police said they resorted to tear gas and baton charge to prevent a larger tragedy, but the mob turned increasingly violent, attacking officers and vehicles.

According to the police, TLP protesters also hijacked several vehicles, including a university bus, to use during the demonstration.

Eyewitnesses said that some vehicles were driven into the crowd, while rioters launched organised attacks using petrol bombs and spiked sticks, with gunfire heard from multiple locations.

Police officials called the deaths of six innocent bystanders “a national tragedy,” saying the state must adopt a joint strategy to protect citizens and property.

During the violent protest, Saad Rizvi and Anas Rizvi reportedly disappeared from the scene, prompting an extensive manhunt.

Officials said that the arrest of Saad Rizvi, Anas Rizvi and others was now “only a matter of time,” as intelligence and technical tracking had pinpointed their location.

Security forces remain on high alert and ready to act. Authorities have urged both leaders to surrender and they will be provided with medical care if they are injured.

Police said there is “no place left to hide,” adding that the operation would remain within the law but their arrests are inevitable.

Sources said both leaders’ movement has been restricted, warning that anyone aiding them will face legal consequences.

“The state has kept the door of leniency open,” officials said, “but no one will be allowed to escape the law. Now it is up to Saad Rizvi and Anas Rizvi to either surrender and resist the arrest.