LAHORE: The Punjab police on Wednesday night launched a province-wide crackdown against the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and arrested many of its workers and leaders.

In Lahore, a heavy contingent of the police reached Multan Road in dozens of vehicles and surrounded Jamia Masjid Rehmatullil- Aalamin where hundreds of charged workers of the TLP had staged a sit-in.

The crackdown was launched after a meeting chaired by Inspector General of Police, Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan late on Monday. An official said the meeting approved a decision to launch a massive crackdown against the TLP for creating a law and order situation.

He said the meeting also announced a policy for Lahore according to which police would only make heavy deployment in the city instead of making arrests.

Consequently, several reserves of the police reached Multan Road along with a huge tear gas stock, a water cannon and other special vehicles carrying gadgets to thwart any move.

According to reports from various districts of the province, police arrested dozens of activists and leaders of the TLP during raids at their houses, offices and hideouts.

Meanwhile, the TLP spokesperson confirmed the arrests.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2021