669 TLP workers have been set free: Sheikh Rasheed

While addressing a press conference, the interior minister stated that a legal process will be followed in clearing FIRs, including the case against TLP chief Saad Rizvi, which includes Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) beside Section 302 of the PPC.

“We have not reversed the ban on TLP. They have 30 days to file an appeal against the government’s decision. We have released 669 workers of TLP out of which most hailed from Faisalabad and South Punjab,” he said.

Referring to the negotiations with TLP leading to an agreement, Sheikh Rasheed said that an agreement was reached after hours-long talks on April 20 and it was agreed that a resolution will be presented in the lower house of parliament on the expulsion of the French ambassador.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan will personally lead the drive against blasphemous acts,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Ministers including Sheikh Rashid, Minister for Religious Affairs Dr Noorul Haq Qadri, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) Tahir Ashrafi, Governor Punjab Mohammad Sarwar and Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat lead the delegation from government’s side to hold talks with TLP.

Following the third round of talks, Interior Minister in his important video statement said that government would present a resolution in parliament to expel the French ambassador and will withdraw all cases including those filed under the fourth schedule against the leaders and workers of proscribed outfit.

The Interior Minister further said that it has been agreed that the banned outfit will call off its sit-ins across the country including at Masjid ul Rahmatul Lil Alameen in Lahore.

Sheikh Rasheed said he would hold a press conference today or tomorrow to share details and the process of talks will be taken forward with TLP members.