LAHORE – The Punjab government has intensified its crackdown on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), tracing party chief Saad Rizvi and his brother, Anas Rizvi, to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after their reported escape from Muridke.
According to local media reports, law enforcement agencies have contacted AJK authorities and requested assistance in arresting the two leaders. The development follows days of speculation within TLP circles, with some claiming that Saad Rizvi may already be in custody.
Officials said that after the police operation in Muridke, several special teams comprising senior Punjab Police officers and intelligence officials were formed to track down the Rizvi brothers. Initial reports suggest that Saad Rizvi and his brother were last seen leaving a protest camp in Muridke on foot before escaping on a motorcycle with an unidentified rider.
An emergency alert was quickly issued, warning law enforcement agencies about the brothers’ movements. Despite the alert, they managed to evade capture, sparking widespread rumors on social media that they were injured during their escape.
Authorities have now traced their last known location to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and are coordinating with regional officials to ensure their arrest.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has recommended a formal ban on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, forwarding a summary to the federal government for approval. The proposed ban is part of a larger effort to curb the group’s growing influence and financial networks.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has identified around 95 bank accounts linked to Saad Rizvi, 15 of which were interest-bearing. Investigators are now working with banks to obtain detailed transaction records.
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In addition, provincial authorities have listed 61 seminaries reportedly operated by TLP across Punjab. The future of these institutions was discussed in a meeting between government officials and Sunni scholars, where different proposals were reviewed to manage the organization’s educational activities.
