Oct 25, 2021: The government on Sunday released more than 350 activists of the banned Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan in an attempt to stop the long march on Islamabad.

“We have released 350 TLP workers so far and we are still waiting for the road to be opened on both sides of Muridke as per the decision taken with TLP,” Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid tweeted.

Earlier, on October 24, he announced that cases against supporters of the banned group would be withdrawn.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Rashid said the talks lasted for eight hours. Another round of TLP-government talks will take place today (Monday, October 25) at the Interior Ministry. On the other hand, the protesters will stay in Muridke till Tuesday but will not march towards the capital.

In the last few days, 16 cases have been registered against TLP workers across Lahore. The Punjab government has allegedly put the names of more than 200 protesters on the Fourth Schedule. According to the National Counterterrorism Authority, any person with either verified intelligence or a history of affiliation with a banned organization can be banned by the Home Department of a province and banned from traveling and speaking under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

On Sunday, the Twin Cities administration removed barricades and containers in the city to prevent protesters from entering the city. As a result, traffic in the Twin Cities returned to normal and citizens breathed a sigh of relief. Murree Road has been opened in Islamabad from Orchard Scheme to Faizabad Interchange between the two cities. Obstacles on the Islamabad Expressway at Kak Bridge have also been removed. Authorities were also clearing roads leading to IJP Road.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri has assured that there will be no more clashes between police and protesters. TLP supporters had three main demands: the expulsion of the French ambassador, the release of arrested supporters and the release of Saad Rizvi.

On Sunday, Rasheed said he would take the matter to the National Assembly. Three police officers were killed and dozens were injured in clashes with TLP supporters on Friday. A police statement said the policemen were stationed near Kachehri Chowk. A Punjab police spokesman said they were hit by a TLP vehicle.

The banned organisation began marching on Islamabad Friday. The party’s central council been demanding the government release Saad Hussain Rizvi, the chief of the defunct TLP. He was arrested earlier in the year for inciting violence.

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