TLP ends march after successful talks with govt

Government has accepted our demands: Shafiq Amini

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The issues between government and Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan have been settled amicably.

Holding a press conference with TLP leader Shafiq Amini in Islamabad, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said protection of the sanctity of holy prophet was a part of the faith of every Muslim.

He said both sides had agreed on a procedure to protect sanctity of the prophet. A plan of action had been finalised through consultations to prevent act of blasphemy.

The interior minister said, “We have formed a committee comprising law enforcement agencies and Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) scholars who will review these matters and ensure protection of the sanctity of holy prophet. May Allah grant us success in this sacred cause.”

Mr Sanaullah said every Pakistani was sad over Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s imprisonment and deteriorated condition. An innocent woman was wrongly convicted and imprisoned, he said.

He said those who wrote a letter to Congress members on the situation in Pakistan, should also see the case of Dr Aafia. Dr Aafia Siddiqui has been deprived of basic rights. The Pakistan government will write to the US government on Dr Aafia Siddiqui's case.

The interior minister said that one of the demands of TLP was to reduce prices of petroleum products. The TLP was apprised of the procedure to fix prices of petroleum products. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had assured that there will be a clear reduction in petrol prices.

Matters between the TLP and the government have been settled amicably. He said it was prudence and foresight of TLP friends that they understood government’s position and agreed to resolve these issues peacefully and end their protest.“We sincerely tried to understand their feelings,” said Rana Sanaullah.

On this occasion, TLP leader Shafiq Amini said government had accepted their demands. “Our demands included the protection of the sanctity of holy prophet, end of inflation and the case of Dr Aafia. We marched peacefully for our demands,” said Amini.

The TLP leader expressed gratitude to Mr Sanaullah that he valued the sentiments of millions of people and accepted their demands. He hoped that both sides would move forward to make people’s lives easier.

Mr Amini further hoped that bitter experiences of the past would not be repeated and the demands that had been accepted would be implemented. It should be noted that Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan’s Karachi to Islamabad long march was stopped by government near Jhelum and both parties started negotiations.