LAHORE – The negotiations between Punjab government and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) became successful in the predawn hours of Friday, following which the main arteries of the city were cleared for traffic.
As the deadline to implement the Faizabad agreement came to an end on Thursday, scores of protesters gathered at different key areas and soon ruled the roads at Bhatta Chowk (near Defence), Chungi Amar Sidhu, Shahdara Chowk, Azadi Chowk, Shanghai Chowk, Faizpur Interchange, which led to terrible traffic jams in the city.
Moreover, the National Highway, which connects the country’s two largest cities – Karachi and Lahore – and several cities of Punjab province, was blocked at Pakka Meel, Chung, Mohlanwal, and Pattoki.
The Lahore district administration also suspended the Metro Bus Service following the demonstrations and blockade.
However, a new round of talks began between the senior officials of Punjab government and TLP late Thursday with both the parties reaching an agreement.
Punjab government spokesman confirmed early Friday that they had succeeded in their negotiations with the religious party to end the recent protests after assuring them that their demands will be fulfilled.
As part of the latest agreement, the party’s demands of registering FIRs over the killing of its workers in Islamabad last year and making public, the Raja Zafarul Haq committee report have been agreed to.
Country-wide Blockade
Besides Lahore, the Faizabad interchange on the Rawalpindi-Islamabad main highway, Murree Road and Liaqat Bagh, and major roads leading to Faisalabad, Sheikhpura and other central Punjab cities had also been affected by the protests.
A heavy contingent of law enforcement agencies was deployed at the entry and exit points of the twin cities. A joint flag-march of the army and LEAs was also held in Islamabad on Thursday.
In Peshawar, the protesters assembled at Jameel Chowk after which long queues of traffic were formed on the Ring Road, and commuters were forced to use alternate routes.
Faizabad ‘agreement’
The Faizabad agreement was reached between the federal government and religious parties following violent protests against an amendment in the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat clause – explained by the government as a ‘clerical’ error. The demonstration ended after the country’s premier intelligence agency brokered a negotiation between the government and protesters, which placed the issue to rest for the time being.
The deal struck between the protesters and government involved the resignation and removal of the federal law minister Zahid Hamid, release of all TLP workers and supporters who were arrested during the Islamabad crackdown, and all cases pending against the TLP to be disposed of.
However, the firebrand cleric has relaunched a protest movement on the same issue – the Finality of Prophethood.
