ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have placed around 300 TLP leaders on the Provisional National Identity List (PNIL), preventing them from leaving the country amid ongoing investigations into multiple criminal cases.
The move affects several senior members of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), including party chief Saad Rizvi, his brother Ans Rizvi, and 21 other high-ranking officials. These individuals are reportedly wanted in dozens of cases registered across Lahore, Sheikhupura, and other districts of Punjab.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), have been instructed to enhance security at airports, checkpoints, and border crossings to stop any attempts by TLP members to flee. Officials fear that the Rizvi brothers could use their strong support base in Karachi to evade legal action.
According to a senior Punjab government official, the names were added to the federal list following a provincial request. The individuals are linked to more than 100 First Information Reports (FIRs), with about 80 cases related to terrorism, violence, and other serious offenses. Out of the 290 individuals, 23 are identified as senior TLP leaders who allegedly played key roles in financing and planning violent protests.
Authorities have also identified suspected financial backers through geofencing, bank account analysis, and digital tracking. These findings will help initiate legal proceedings under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, which includes placing suspects on the Fourth Schedule for potential links to extremist or sectarian groups.
In a recent high-level meeting, Punjab Police expanded the scope of investigations into TLP protests from 2020 and 2021, where several law enforcement officials were attacked. Repeat offenders identified in those cases will now be pursued in connection with the 2025 riots.
The Punjab government has been assigned to lead the preparation of detailed cases, including forensic analysis, geofencing, geo-mapping, and call data review. Senior officer Imran Kishwar, who earlier led the inquiry into the May 9 violence, is overseeing the new investigation process.
Meanwhile, the provincial administration has reached an understanding with moderate Sunni scholars to manage 300 mosques and 125 madrasas that were previously under the control of the hardline group. This step is aimed at ensuring peace and preventing the misuse of religious platforms.
In other news read more about Pakistan Bans TLP Over Alleged Links To Terrorism Says Interior Ministry
The government’s latest action against TLP leaders marks a renewed push to curb extremist activities and ensure accountability through transparent investigations.
