LAHORE/ BAHAWALPUR/BUREWALA/MULTAN: The Punjab Police announced the seizure of millions in local and foreign currencies and jewellery, during a raid at the residence of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi here on Tuesday.
During the raid, Punjab Police seized Rs114.4 million (11 crore 44 lakh) in Pakistani currency, foreign currencies worth Rs2.5 million from the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, including Rs50,000 in Indian rupees, and jewellery valued at Rs63.4 million (Rs6 crore 34 lakh).
In a related development, dozens of criminal cases were registered against scores of TLP workers and local leadership across Lahore, Bahawalpur, Burewala. As many as 25 criminal cases were registered against TLP members at Islampura, New Anarkali, Shafiqabad, Gawalmandi, Badami Bagh, and Shahdara police stations. They related to charges of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, rioting, vandalism and other serious offences.
Similarly, in Bahawalpur, multiple cases were lodged against unidentified TLP workers. Two FIRs were filed at Saddar Bahawalpur and City Hasilpur police stations against 22 named and unidentified TLP activists armed with sticks and iron rods for disrupting law and order, raising slogans and causing traffic disruptions. Cases were also registered under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) and other laws.
Also in Burewala, an FIR was lodged at Saddar Police Station, based on a complaint by Sub-Inspector Khaleel Ahmed against 14 identified and approximately 200 unidentified armed individuals who opened fire on the police and attacked them with sticks when they tried to remove road blockades. This left eight policemen, including DSP Headquarters Muhammad Nadeem, injured and hospitalised. The cases were registered under sections related to terrorism, attempted murder and related offences. Police are conducting raids to apprehend the suspects.
In a related development, the federal government launched a crackdown on fake news related to the TLP incidents in the last few days. According to sources, a network of social media platforms, including some operating from overseas, spreading disinformation and hate material through fabricated videos and audios were busted. The Deepfake Lab is conducting forensic examination of the seized material.
Notices have also been issued to social media platforms, mandating the removal of false content within 24 hours, with repeated violations potentially leading to permanent account suspensions. Several cases have been registered under the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Efforts are underway to trace overseas networks, allegedly orchestrating propaganda, through Pakistani embassies to undertake legal action. The relevant authorities have once again warned against sharing unverified hate-driven or fabricated content targeting state institutions that could result in legal action.
The Istehkam Foundation Pakistan (IFP) expressed concern over the unrest which included road blockages, setting government buildings on fire, and damaging and destroying vehicles during TLP protest. Speaking to the media, IFP chairperson Sajjida Ahmed condemned the violence that disrupted national peace following the Gaza peace agreement. She accused the TLP elements of exploiting religious sentiments for political and financial gain, describing attacks on police and public property as acts against the state. Citing death of police officer and injuries to at least 100 policemen, Ahmed demanded strict legal action against such groups to prevent further unrest.
Meanwhile, Dr Tariq Saleem, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami North Punjab, condemned the “reckless and excessive use of force” during police action against TLP protesters in Muridke. He described it as “deeply distressing and condemnable,” arguing that the government should have pursued dialogue rather than confrontation.
