Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government had authorised the use of force against the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters but the military had advised against it, according to a report by a Pakistani daily.
Citing sources privy to the fast-paced developments taking place, Dawn reported the prime minister had authorised the use of force against the TLP marchers but the military leadership advised against the use of force arguing that it was not a solution.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to reveal the contents of the agreement that was signed with the TLP in the next 10 days.
According to the sources, there was a concern that unveiling the contents of the agreement at an early stage could have triggered a public debate that may have impeded its implementation that in turn was linked with the ending of the protest, Dawn reported.
On October 31, the Imran Khan-led government announced an agreement has been reached with the TLP after the latest round of dialogue between the two parties.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and Federal Minister Ali Mohammad Khan, professor Mufti Muneeb made this announcement at a press conference held in Islamabad.
According to Mufti Muneeb, TLP chief Saad Rizvi has also endorsed the agreement and said this agreement was not a “victory or defeat” of any group, reports The Express Tribune.
“The agreement was reached after sense prevailed over aggression.”
At least four policemen were killed and over 250 injured as thousands of TLP protesters clashed with law-enforcement personnel near Sadhoke in Punjab’s Gujranwala district in October. TLP claimed several of their members were also killed.
The latest round of protests came as the TLP exerted pressure on the Punjab government for the release of its chief, Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi, the son of its late founder Khadim Rizvi. The younger Rizvi has been kept in detention by the Punjab government since April 12 for “maintenance of public order”.
