Govt, TLP reach consensus after successful negotiations

The negotiations between government and the proscribed outfit Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) have become successful—reaching a positive conclusion, GNN reported quoting sources.

According to sources, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, Mufti Muneeb and Member of the National Assembly Ali Muhammad Khan will reveal all the details at a press conference today.

As per initial reports, government’s top priority was to put an end to the protest march of banned outfit that resulted a fearful atmosphere for several days in country.

Earlier, the negotiation team inducted three new members into its 12-member committee including Khawaja Ghulam Qutubuddin, Sheikhul Hadith Allma Rafiq Ahmad Majadadai and Maulana Sardar Wazirul Qadri.

The religious leaders from all over the country also met the Prime Minister Imran Khan and expressed their determination to resolve the issue peacefully.

The delegation of clerics, reportedly reached Premier’s residence in Bani Gala on Saturday afternoon.

Following the meeting, Imran Khan showed his nod to conditionally release the banned TLP Chief Saad Rizvi.

The concession was linked to TLP activists ending their long march, said Khan.

Yesterday, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said that the 12 member committee has been constituted for holding negotiations between the government and the leadership of proscribed TLP.

“The issue would be resolved amicably,” he added.

He expressed confidence that the situation would improve as a result of negations. Ulema and religious scholars have assured of their cooperation and expressed their resolve to wrap up the matter peacefully, he said adding that the prime minister told the participants of meeting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has always welcomed meaningful and serious talks.

The suggestions of Ulema, which save the country from bloodshed would be considered.

Sunni Ittehad Council President Sahibzada Hamid Raza said the prime minister had assured the meeting’s participants that the government did not want any bloodshed.

However the national security and government’s writ can’t be compromised.

“We urge the protesters to not resort to violence as negotiations are underway in different parts of the country,” the SIC president said.

Meanwhile, thousands of TLP supporters have been stationed near Wazirabad’s GT Road waiting for orders from their concerned leaders.

On Friday, the Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that the Prime Minister may address the nation, whether on Saturday (October 30) or Sunday (October 31) regarding the issue.