ISLAMABAD: As many as 39 leaders and activists of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) arrested by police under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, were released from Adiala Jail on Wednesday.

Officials of the capital administration told Dawn,on condition of anonymity, that over 110 leaders and activists of the TLP were arrested by police during last week’s protest and sit-in.

Out of the total, 39 were arrested under the MPO order issued by the administration, they said, adding others were arrested in connection with six cases registered at Shahzad Town, Sihala, Bhara Kahu and Tarnol police stations under 7-ATA and various Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) charges.

All the arrested persons were sent to Adiala Jail for further legal procedures.

The government conducted successful negotiation with representatives of TLP, they said, adding as a result of the negotiation, all arrested under MPO are being released. On Wednesday, the deputy commissioner’s office issued release orders of 39 persons arrested under MPO, sources in Adiala Jail told Dawn.

The other TLP activists arrested in connection with the cases are in jail, officials said, adding a decision over their release is yet to be taken.

The police and administration will follow the government’s instructions in connection with the remaining cases, they added.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi police booked about 300 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers on Tuesday night for blocking roads and violating Covid-10SOPs.

Three separate FIRs, one each with Banni, R.A Bazar and Cantt police were registered on charges of violating SOPs, blocking roads and rioting.

However, none of the individuals nominated in the FIRs was arrested by police so far.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2021