The protesting leaders made fiery speeches and said that the government was deliberately trying to delay Saad Rizvi's release.
The long march would be held after Friday prayers tomorrow, as per the group's social media accounts. The TLP had given the government until 5 PM to fulfil its demands, but no government representative reached out to the group after which the announcement to hold the long march was made.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, moments before the group's announcement, said that no group can be allowed to take law into its hands. He added that the French ambassador in Pakistan cannot be expelled from the country on the whims of a party.
Earlier, Lahore police were placed on high alert in light of the developing situation following the TLP protest on Multan Road. Mobile internet has been suspended in Samanabad, Iqbal Town and other areas around the sit-in location.
The notification to this effect was issued by the Ministry of Interior.