FIR filed against TLP leaders with anti-terror charges at Rawat Police Station, Rawalpindi
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI/LAHORE: Authorities said Tuesday that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and leader Anas Rizvi have been traced by law enforcement agencies after a major crackdown on TLP protesters attempting to march toward Islamabad.
Sources confirmed that both leaders will be arrested soon and urged them to surrender voluntarily so they can receive necessary medical attention.
“Nothing can be confirmed yet about the injuries of Saad Rizvi and Anas Rizvi,” the sources added.
The TLP protest escalated as workers insisted on continuing their march, citing similar demonstrations in Europe.
The main clash took place in Muridke, where police alleged that a rifle seized from Anas Rizvi was used during the protest firing.
Despite viral claims on social media of heavy casualties, hospital officials reported only a few admissions. Police confirmed three deaths — including a TLP worker, a bystander, and a police officer — while calling higher numbers online “exaggerated.”
Rumors spread about the whereabouts of Saad Rizvi and other top TLP figures.
During talks with the Punjab government, TLP representatives — including Shafique Amini, Ghous Baghdadi, and Faizi — met Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab IG Usman Anwar, and religious scholar Allama Tahir Ashrafi.
The Muridke sit-in ended after a successful police operation on Sunday night, clearing GT Road for normal traffic.
FIR Filed Under Anti-Terror Laws
A first information report (FIR) has been registered against Saad Rizvi and other TLP leaders at Rawat Police Station, Rawalpindi.
The FIR, lodged by Sub-Inspector Najeeb Ullah, includes anti-terrorism clauses and names Saad Rizvi, Qari Bilal, and 21 others. It accuses them of blocking roads and attempting to seize police ammunition.
According to the FIR, Saad Rizvi ordered the blockade, while Qari Bilal and others carried weapons, petrol bombs, and nail-studded sticks.
It states that despite a ban on public gatherings under Section 144 of the CrPC, TLP members opened fire on police, injuring Constable Adnan. Constable Nazeer was also attacked by Qari Danish and others.
Police recovered tear gas shells, ten nail-embedded sticks, and four petrol bombs from the suspects.
Officials confirmed that 25 more cases were filed in various Lahore police stations — including Islampura, New Anarkali, Shafiqabad, Gawalmandi, Badami Bagh, and Shahdara — under charges of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, rioting, and kidnapping.
Planned Violence During TLP Protest
Police sources said the FIR follows TLP’s “planned violence and attacks” during the Muridke protest.
Authorities claimed that despite multiple negotiations and instructions to relocate, TLP leaders continued to provoke the crowd.
The violence erupted between October 12 and 13, when protesters used stones, nail-studded sticks, and petrol bombs. Police weapons were reportedly snatched, and initial investigations confirmed that stolen guns were used in the firing.
To prevent further escalation, police used tear gas and batons. However, the protesters retaliated with organized attacks on police personnel and vehicles.
At least 40 government and private vehicles were torched, and several shops were set on fire. Police said 48 officers were injured, including 17 with gunshot wounds. Three TLP workers and a passerby died, while around 30 civilians were injured.
TLP protesters also hijacked a university bus and allegedly tried to run over citizens using other vehicles, eyewitnesses said.
Police confirmed several arrests, though Saad Rizvi and other top leaders escaped. Search operations are ongoing.
“Throwing petrol bombs, snatching weapons, and burning vehicles cannot be called a peaceful protest. Those involved will be brought to justice,” a police official said.
Metro Bus and Roads Reopened
Authorities have restored Metro Bus services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, operating between Saddar Station and Kashmir Highway. Service from Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station to Pak Secretariat remains suspended due to containers at D-Chowk.
Officials said this section will reopen in the second phase, while routes to the airport have already resumed.
The Faizabad Interchange, closed for six days, has also been reopened. Transport terminals, hotels, hostels, restaurants, and markets have resumed normal operations.
Keywords: TLP, Saad Rizvi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad protest, FIR, anti-terrorism, Muridke operation, Pakistan news, law enforcement crackdown, Punjab police, GT Road reopened.
