Talks between government and TLP in progress says, Sheikh Rashid

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Friday that talks about ending the march of the proscribed group peacefully, detaining Saad Rizvi not to move towards Islamabad.

Talking in the press conference after the National Security Committee held by PM Imran Khan, the interior minister stated that the government wanted to have friendly talks with TLP without causing any violence or quarrel which can result in the loss of many lives. He also mentioned that this march is causing a lot of inconvenience to citizens of Punjab and their security is at risk.

The minister told that Imran Khan would address the nation on Saturday about the current security situation saying, “he will present the entire situation before the nation and his speech would explain the narrative of government.”

Read Twin Cities Were Sealed Due to TLP Long March 

He recalled that four policemen were martyred in riots with TLP while more than 80 had been injured.

“We stand by our position and we are waiting for them to abide by their commitment to open GT road.”

Sheikh Rashid further stated that Minister of Religious Affairs Noor ul Haq Qadri would probably talk to TLP leadership again. The government has taken the issue of expulsion of the French ambassador in the parliament, adding that the opposition would not vote for it.

“People are facing difficulties, the demonstrators should view their stance,” he said noting the fact that it’s TLP’s seventh march towards Islamabad.

PM had convened the meeting of NSC on Thursday for making the strategy to tackle TLP protestors marching towards Islamabad.

“Given the situation arising out of the illegal activities of the banned party, Prime Minister Imran Khan has convened a meeting of the National Security Committee tomorrow. Other issues related to national security will also be considered in this meeting.” Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had announced.