Nearly three months after going underground, the whereabouts of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and his brother Anas Rizvi remain unknown, with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) continuing to deny claims that the two are in state custody.
The issue resurfaced this week after a statement attributed to the banned religious group circulated on social media, alleging that both brothers were being held by “state agencies.” However, senior law enforcement officials have categorically rejected the claim, maintaining that the Rizvi brothers are still in hiding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
According to officials, Saad and Anas Rizvi fled on the day Punjab Police launched a pre-dawn operation in Muridke to dismantle a TLP protest camp along the Grand Trunk Road.
“I give you my word that they are not in the custody of any security agency,” a senior officer told Dawn. “They are still in AJK and are most likely being sheltered by loyal workers of the banned organisation in hilly areas.”
The officer dismissed the alleged TLP statement as “false, self-generated and misleading.”
Following the viral claim, a senior Punjab government official reportedly contacted federal authorities to verify the assertion. According to a source, Punjab Police conveyed their intent to arrest Saad and Anas Rizvi immediately if they were in any agency’s custody. Federal officials, however, confirmed that the two were not being held by any state institution.
Law enforcement sources said both brothers are now classified as high-profile wanted suspects, facing multiple serious criminal cases, including charges under anti-terrorism laws.
“So far, 44 FIRs have been registered against Saad and Anas Rizvi in Sheikhupura and another 11 in Lahore,” a source revealed, adding that the allegations include grave and heinous offences.
When questioned about the delay in locating them, officials said the brothers have avoided using mobile phones or digital devices, significantly complicating tracking efforts.
“All systems have been activated nationwide,” a senior official said. “Relevant state institutions have confirmed that they are still within Pakistan. There is no indication that they have fled abroad.”
Multiple police teams have reportedly been formed to trace and arrest the fugitives.
According to officials, Saad and Anas Rizvi allegedly incited party workers and hardcore activists to carry out violent attacks on law enforcement personnel, resulting in extensive damage to government property.
During clashes in Lahore and Sheikhupura, one Station House Officer (SHO) was killed and dozens of police personnel were injured. Authorities also linked the Rizvi brothers to the “Gaza March” launched from Lahore in October last year, which aimed to march towards Islamabad.
Separately, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated money laundering investigations after tracing approximately 95 bank accounts allegedly linked to Saad Rizvi.
Dawn attempted to contact a spokesperson or representative of the banned TLP to verify the claim regarding the brothers’ custody. However, calls went unanswered and WhatsApp messages received no response.
