PESHAWAR: Muhammad Saad Rizvi, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief, and 577 members of the party have been removed from the fourth schedule of ATA [Anti-Terrorism Act 1997], said a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department.
Rizvi was included in the fourth schedule on April 16, 2021 on the recommendation of Lahore district Intelligence Committee. The notification also states that a copy has been sent to officials of several other departments, including the Home Department and the Information Department.
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Rizvi was detained by the Punjab government this year over fear of disturbing the peace, however, his detention was extended several times. The high court also ordered his release but the federal government challenged the judgment in the Supreme Court.
The TLP workers last month launched a “long march” from Lahore to Islamabad, demanding the government to release Saad Rizvi and expel the French ambassador from Pakistan for supporting the blasphemous sketches. Prime Minister Imran Khan had called an meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to review the situation created because of the protest “long march” of the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The NSC decided to hold talks with the protest and resolve the issues
The government signed an agreement with the TLP however, it was kept secret. Yesterday, Minister for state Ali Muhammad Khan said that the agreement, signed with the TLP is according to the law of the land and constitution of the country. Talking with media in Islamabad, Khan said that the Prime Minister Imran fully endorse the agreement. He added that under the agreement, the TLP will no more be in a position to hold illegal protests. Khan said that the Army chief has played a key role in finalizing the agreement
On 8 October, the TLP has ended the protest sit-in on GT Road in Wazirabad after the federal government revoked the ban against the party. The party said that the government had accepted 50% of their demands.