LAHORE: Authorities in Punjab claim to have located the whereabouts of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi and his brother Anas Rizvi, stating that the two fled to Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) following a crackdown in Muridke.
A senior official informed Dawn that law enforcement agencies have shared this information with AJK authorities and requested assistance in apprehending the absconding TLP leaders. This update comes amid growing speculation — particularly within TLP circles — that Saad Rizvi had already been taken into custody.
According to the official, several teams comprising senior officers from Punjab Police and other agencies were deployed to trace the duo. The Rizvi brothers were first seen leaving the protest camp in Muridke on foot before fleeing the area on a motorcycle.
An emergency alert was immediately circulated among law enforcement agencies, reporting that a motorcyclist believed to be carrying the TLP chief and his brother was seen heading into nearby streets. Despite the swift response, the suspects managed to evade capture, fueling a wave of rumours on social media — including claims of possible injuries.
Eventually, the teams traced the last known location of the TLP leaders to somewhere within AJK, prompting Punjab authorities to seek cooperation from the regional government to secure their arrest.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has formally moved to have the TLP proscribed, sending a summary to the federal government requesting the group’s ban.
In a parallel investigation, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered nearly 95 bank accounts linked to Saad Rizvi, the senior official revealed. Of these, 15 are interest-bearing accounts. The FIA is working with banks to gather detailed information on transactions linked to these accounts.
Crackdown on TLP Seminaries
As part of the broader clampdown on the group, the Punjab government has identified 61 seminaries affiliated with the TLP across the province. The future of these institutions was discussed in a recent meeting between provincial authorities and Sunni clerics.
Two main proposals were floated. The first suggested transferring administrative control of these seminaries to the Punjab Auqaf Department. However, this idea met resistance from many clerics, who warned that such a move could stir controversy and financial complications.
The second, more favored proposal, involved handing over the seminaries to moderate Sunni clerics. This arrangement would allow the institutions to continue operating, provided they are free of any militant influence. A final decision on the matter has yet to be reached.
In the meantime, the district administration in Multan has taken action by sealing 10 TLP-run seminaries in Multan, Shujabad, and Basti Malook. Several of these institutions have already been placed under the Auqaf Department’s control, in accordance with the Punjab government’s directives.
