The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has resumed its march towards Islamabad after talks between the banned outfit and the government hit a snag over the issue of the expulsion of France's envoy to Pakistan. The government said that it was ready to accept all demands of the TLP, including the release of its leader Saad Rizvi, but it cannot ask the French envoy to leave the country as this would damage ties with the European Union. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, who had led the talks from the government's side, said that the government agreed to all but one demand, but the banned outfit still did not end the protest sit-in in Muridke. The TLP had earlier called off its march to Islamabad and decided to halt at Muridke after Rashid assured them the government would meet their demands. TLP had stated that they would stay in Muridke peacefully till the acceptance of their demands and in case of the failure of talks, will resume their march towards the federal capital. Read Rashid warns PDM, TLP against creating law, order As of today, a rally with more than eight thousand TLP supporters left Murdike for Islamabad with the government deploying heavy contingents of law enforcers to stop them. Trenches have been dug on GT Road ahead of Chenab River to stop the protesters from marching forward. TLP Central Committee member Wazir Ali alleged that the government was not serious in meeting the demands of the banned outfit despite "successful talks". He said the TLP would not back down on its demands. He said the TLP march would remain "peaceful", but if the police used force against the workers of the banned outfit, the party would go on a countrywide strike. Meanwhile, the government has taken more measures to stop the protesters from reaching the capital. As per sources, the Punjab government has also imposed a temporary ban on buses plying on GT Road. No leeway for TLP On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting at Bani Gala wherein it was decided not to give any leeway to the TLP. The meeting was attended by army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, Federal Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Bazdar and the province’s chief secretary among others. The premier was briefed on the negotiations with the TLP. It was decided that further talks with the religious outfit would be held only if it ended its protest march. Rashid, who was leading the team negotiating with the TLP, said at a news conference later in the day that the government had “no reservations” over any of the demands put forward by the religious outfit except for the shutting down of the French embassy and expulsion of its ambassador. “It was decided [during the meeting] that this demand cannot be accepted.” He warned that accepting this demand would have consequences. “As Pakistan is the biggest nuclear force among Muslim countries, conspiracies are being hatched to impose sanctions on us,” he added. The minister insisted that the country faced “immense international pressure” on the matter. "You all can see what our economic situation is and France is leading Europe. All European countries are supporting France. Shutting down the French embassy here would affect Pakistan's relations with other European countries.” The minister had hoped that the TLP would agree to withdraw this demand for which it had given a deadline of November 2.
from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3mjjNvL
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