RAWALPINDI: The Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi, along with several party leaders and workers, has been booked in multiple terrorism and criminal charges following a violent confrontation with police in the Rawat area of Rawalpindi. The clash marks another flare-up in the group’s escalating standoff with law enforcement in Punjab.
According to an FIR registered by Sub-Inspector Najibullah, TLP supporters blocked Chak Beli Khan Road, using stones and burning tyres to obstruct traffic. The protesters allegedly carried Kalashnikov rifles, petrol bombs, and nail-studded sticks, while chanting slogans and delivering inflammatory speeches against the government and security forces.
Police claimed that the crowd turned violent when officials tried to clear the road. The FIR accuses Qari Ibrar of firing a bullet that hit Constable Adnan, who survived due to his bulletproof vest. Another protester, Qari Danish, allegedly attacked Constable Nazir, snatched his tear gas shells, and tore his uniform.
Authorities recovered TLP flags, petrol bombs, stones, and ammunition from the scene after the confrontation. So far, at least five protesters have been arrested, while police continue to conduct raids to track down other suspects involved.
The FIR includes serious charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, as well as sections related to attempted murder, robbery, criminal conspiracy, incitement to violence, resisting police, and violation of Section 144. Officials have termed the incident a “coordinated act of aggression” aimed at disrupting law and order.
Meanwhile, similar unrest was reported in Taxila, where police detained 11 TLP activists after clashes that left several officers injured. Separate cases have been filed under the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
In Lahore, an Anti-Terrorism Court has also remanded 60 more TLP workers into custody for their alleged role in recent riots, as authorities tighten their crackdown on violent demonstrations across Punjab.
The situation remains tense, with police maintaining a heavy presence in sensitive areas and security agencies on alert to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.