Pakistan's government and security agencies are conducting a serious operation against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Muridke, which has turned into a battlefield. Reports indicate that TLP Chief Saad Rizvi has been shot and preparations for his surgery are underway. TLP supporters have resorted to chaos, violence, and arson. Sources say Saad Rizvi and Ans Rizvi are hiding in the Muridke area. According to TLP's official website, their focus is to implement 'Nizam-e-Mustafa' (Islamic rule).
According to Dawn, large contingents of Pakistan Rangers and police from five districts were deployed to Muridke on early Sunday morning. These agencies have surrounded the camps of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, and it is believed that the government is preparing for a significant operation against TLP.
Pakistani security agencies have thwarted attempts by TLP members to advance towards the city. Trenches were dug, and routes were sealed to prevent TLP troops from marching to Islamabad.
Muridke is notably the site of India's aerial assault during Operation Sindoor.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting on Sunday to review the national security situation. Ten officers from each of Lahore's 85 police stations were instructed to head to Muridke under the supervision of their SHOs.
Lahore's DIG Operations Faisal Kamran and several SPs have also arrived in the area to oversee the police forces. Authorities from Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Gujarat have taken similar steps. Additional troops from Lahore police reached Muridke on Sunday.
Why TLP is on the Streets
TLP's protest began on October 10th in Pakistan, primarily in support of Palestine and Gaza, as TLP announced a protest march outside the American Embassy. However, police denied permission for this event.
Source: aajtak
TLP announced the Labbaik or Aqsa Million March against the alleged killings in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The protest intended to reach the US Embassy in Islamabad's Diplomatic Enclave, labeling the US an ally of Israel. The protest commenced on October 10th amid discussions about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire worldwide.
Trigger of Violence
On October 8, Punjab police raided the TLP headquarters in Lahore to arrest leader Saad Rizvi, leading to clashes on October 9-10. TLP activists attacked police with petrol bombs, stones, and weapons. Violence flared again on October 13 in Muridke, resulting in the death of an SHO, 48 police casualties, and the death of four civilians. TLP derogatorily referred to Pakistani police as "Israeli thugs."
Who is Saad Rizvi
Saad Hussain Rizvi is a radical Islamic leader from Pakistan. He is the son of Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the founder of TLP established in 2015. Khadim Hussain Rizvi passed away in 2020, after which Saad Rizvi took leadership of the organization in 2021. Saad Rizvi led the procession from Lahore. According to sources, Saad Rizvi has been shot.
