Govt Removes TLP Chief Saad Rizvi's Name From Fourth Schedule, Paving Way For Release

Govt Removes TLP Chief Saad Rizvi's Name From Fourth Schedule, Paving Way For Release
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi's name has been taken off the fourth schedule of the Anti Terrorism Act as part of implementation of a secret agreement signed between government and the TLP, paving the way for his release.

Punjab Home Department on Thursday issued a notification removing him from Fourth Schedule. Rizvi's name was added to the list on April 16.

The names of 487 members of the TLP who were added to the list have also been removed. On Sunday, the government unbanned the TTP following approval of the Ministry of Interior's summary recommending the group's removal from the First Schedule of the Anti Terrorism Act.

The TLP was banned in April amid violent protests it was holding against Saad Rizvi's detention.

An Interior Ministry notification in this regard said, "The provincial cabinet has considered the request of the organisation and in view of the assurance and commitment by the organisation, is of the opinion that the said organisation shall abide by the Constitution and laws of the country and therefore, keeping in view the larger national interest and long term perspective to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future, the government of Punjab has proposed to the federal government to consider revoking of the proscription of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan."