Federal ministers revealed on Thursday that negotiations with the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) continued until the very last moment before the group’s violent protests. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf addressed a joint press conference in Islamabad, condemning TLP’s armed demonstrations over Gaza despite the ceasefire.
Attaullah Tarar said that while Palestinians celebrated the Gaza peace deal, the TLP took to the streets armed, damaging public and private property. He noted that other religious parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, held peaceful protests, proving that expressing solidarity did not require violence. “When the Palestinians themselves are celebrating peace, what right does TLP have to resort to arms?” he asked.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that talks with TLP leaders continued until late night. He said the group kept raising its demands, including the release of individuals involved in terrorism. “Was this rally for Gaza or for the release of terrorists?” Naqvi questioned. He added that only those who carried weapons and attacked security personnel faced retaliation.
Naqvi also said that religious scholars would join the government on Friday to thank God for peace in Gaza. Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf emphasized that protecting citizens and property is the state’s responsibility, warning that those who incite violence will face legal action.
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He clarified that no action was being taken against mosques, seminaries, or religious leaders, but only against TLP officials involved in violence. The minister urged the nation to express gratitude for the Gaza ceasefire and called on scholars to highlight peace and unity during Friday sermons.