Saad Rizvi’s 91 bank accounts frozen, 1.92kg gold seized: Azma Bukhari

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that 1.92 kilograms of gold, 898 grams of silver, 69 branded watches, gold bangles, bracelets, necklaces, silver crowns, rings, and INR 50,000 have been recovered from Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi’s residence.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, 91 bank accounts of Saad Rizvi have been frozen. She said that terrorism cases will be registered against those providing financial support to the TLP as many as 3,800 facilitators have been identified.

Bukhari said the government has no plans to move the grave of TLP founder Khadim Rizvi but gatherings for fundraising or inciting unrest at the site would not be allowed.

She said that TLP activists spread propaganda about “dead bodies” during the protest, adding that three civilians — all bystanders — were killed in the Muridke incident, while 45 others were injured.

During violent protests, she said, 110 policemen were also wounded.

The minister said that several police and Rescue 1122 vehicles, including those of the “Suthra Punjab” programme, were torched, while trolleys loaded with bricks accompanied the protesters.

Bukhari said that among those financially supporting the TLP were “prominent and educated individuals.”

Bukhari clarified that the management of 330 TLP-linked mosques has been taken over by the government and handed to moderate Sunni scholars.

“These mosques will remain open for prayers and the call to prayer, but any violation of the Loudspeaker Act will not be tolerated,” she said, urging all sects to restrict loudspeaker use to prayers only.

She added that 223 TLP-affiliated seminaries have been geo-tagged, most of which will reopen soon, except for a few under investigation. These will also be handed over to Sunni scholars.

The minister urged parents to monitor their children’s activities, warning that “those misusing social media” for incitement would face terrorism charges, have police records, and could be barred from admissions, visas, or other facilities in the country.

Bukhari said investigations revealed that six TLP seminaries were built on government property. A special prosecution cell has been established to pursue these cases “scientifically and strictly,” she added.

Without naming Saad Rizvi or his brother, Bukhari dismissed rumours that they had been killed or injured, saying both are being tracked and will soon be brought to justice.

She said the Punjab cabinet has recommended a ban on TLP to the federal government, and a decision is expected within a few days. “Whatever the decision, it will be implemented in letter and spirit,” she asserted.

Bukhari said the government has classified TLP into three tiers for the crackdown — the top two comprising its leadership, and the third including those who use social media and WhatsApp to incite unrest. “The state and the government are dealing with all of them with full force,” she said.

Earlier, Azma Bukhari said that 1.92 kilograms of gold, 898 grams of silver, 69 branded watches, gold bangles, bracelets, necklaces, silver crowns, rings, and INR 50,000 have been recovered from TLP chief Saad Rizvi’s residence..

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she said that 91 bank accounts of Saad Rizvi have been frozen. She said that terrorism cases will be registered against those providing financial support to the TLP as many as 3,800 facilitators have been identified.

Bukhari said the government has no plans to move the grave of TLP founder Khadim Rizvi but gatherings for fundraising or inciting unrest at the site would not be allowed.

She said that TLP activists spread propaganda about “dead bodies” during the protest, adding that three civilians — all bystanders — were killed in the Muridke incident, while 45 others were injured.

During violent protests, she said, 110 policemen were also wounded.