ISLAMABAD: A group of federal ministers on Sunday abruptly postponed a planned press conference regarding its negotiations with the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and MNA Ali Mohammad Khan were to address a press conference alongside religious scholar Mufti Muneebur Rehman at 11:15AM today at the Press Information Department (PID) regarding the negotiations with members of proscribed TLP
However, the press conference was delayed, with the foreign minister telling reporters that it would be held shortly without giving further details. The government has sorted out issues with the TLP during the final round of talks held but the announcement of the agreement has been delay due to the late arrival of some of the banned party’s leaders.
It was reported that TLP’s Shura members who were coming from Wazirabad are reportedly held in a traffic jam due to the protests and blocked roads and could not make it to Islamabad for the presser.
Sources revealed that it has been decided to release incarcerated TLP Chief Saad Rizvi but he will be kept under house arrest for a few months. The names included on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) will also be stricken out.
Interior Secretary Yousouf Naseem has been tasked to implement all the conditions reached between the two parties. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry were not part of the latest round of negotiations held with the banned outfit held on Sunday.
Sources revealed that the banned party’s activists would wind up their protest on the GT Road and return and then the government will release the arrested TLP men after completing all the legal aspects. It has been decided that the government would adopt step-by-step approach keeping in view the international rules and regulations.
Renowned religious scholar Mufti Muneeb has played a pivotal role in the consultation between leaders of religious parties and government and military officials. Sources informed Mufti Muneeb also met the outfit’s incarcerated leader Saad Rizvi who has been brought to Islamabad for the negotiations.
The government inducted three new members into its 12-member committee and also included Khawaja Ghulam Qutubuddin, Sheikhul Hadith Allma Rafiq Ahmad Majadadai, and Maulana Sardar Wazirul Qadri in the negotiation team.
A day earlier, a new negotiating team met TLP leaders while Prime Minister Imran Khan met with senior clerics at his Banigala residence. It was decided that all issues will be resolved amicably during the final round of talks between the negotiation committee of the government in order to avoid further bloodshed.
Sources revealed that the prime minister said he had no objection to Saad Rizvi’s release if the courts release him. The clerics urged him to release the TLP chief and take action against the statements of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry that could sabotage negotiations.
Regarding the demand for expulsion of the French ambassador, the prime minister said it was not the solution but there was a need to acknowledge the world that blasphemy hurts the sentiments of Muslims. The premier also told the religious leaders that their suggestions would also be considered, to save the country from bloodshed as the government did not want to use force against the TLP’s long march participants.
