ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI; Calm returned to Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Tuesday following a forceful police operation that dispersed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters attempting to march towards the federal capital.
According to security sources, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have traced the whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and senior leader Anas Rizvi, and their arrest is expected soon.
Sources said the two leaders should surrender immediately so they can receive necessary medical attention. “Nothing can be confirmed regarding the extent of their injuries at this time,” they added.
The operation’s main flashpoint was Muridke, where security forces registered a case after finding a rifle allegedly used by Anas Rizvi to fire during the demonstrations.
Although social media was flooded with reports of heavy casualties, hospital sources confirmed only a few admissions. Police officially reported three deaths — a TLP worker, a bystander, and a police officer — while terming higher figures online as “exaggerated.”
Speculation grew over the whereabouts of Saad Rizvi and other senior leaders amid ongoing negotiations. TLP representatives, including Shafique Amini, Ghous Baghdadi, and Faizi, held talks with Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab IG Usman Anwar, and religious scholar Allama Tahir Ashrafi.
A major operation on Sunday night successfully cleared the Muridke sit-in, reopening GT Road to traffic.
Meanwhile, an FIR was registered at Rawat Police Station under anti-terrorism clauses against Saad Rizvi, Qari Bilal, and 21 others. The FIR alleges they blocked roads, attacked police, and attempted to seize ammunition. Weapons, petrol bombs, and nail-studded sticks were recovered from suspects.
Police confirmed that 25 additional cases were filed across Lahore, including Islampura, New Anarkali, Shafiqabad, Badami Bagh, and Shahdara, under charges of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and rioting.
The violence between October 12 and 13 saw protesters use stone pelting, nail-studded sticks, and petrol bombs. Weapons were also snatched from police officers and later used during clashes.
In response, police deployed tear gas and baton charges, but protesters launched coordinated attacks on personnel and vehicles.
At least 40 vehicles were torched, shops were set ablaze, and 48 police officers were injured, including 17 with gunshot wounds. Three TLP workers and one bystander were killed, while around 30 civilians were injured.
Authorities have since restored Metro Bus services between Saddar and Kashmir Highway, with other routes were reopened in phases. The Faizabad Interchange, which had remained closed for six days, is also reopened, along with transport terminals, hotels, and markets.
