LAHORE: Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information Hasaan Khawar says the ongoing protest and blockade of roads by the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has caused a loss of around Rs4 billion to country’s economy.

He said the TLP’s agitation since 2017 had caused a loss of Rs35bn to the economy owing to damage to public and private property as well as suspension of business activities. He said the GT Road blockade had suspended supply of fruits and vegetables to markets that were rotting in trucks.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Khawar said four policemen were killed and 250 others injured in firing by TLP protesters. He said around 360 public and private vehicles had been damaged while the government had registered 620 FIRs against the miscreants present at the TLP sit-ins.

He said the government could not allow any group to create state within a state. He said public safety would be ensured.

BUZDAR: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar says tolerance should not be considered as government’s weakness while dealing with the TLP.

Presiding over a meeting on law and order at the chief minister’s secretariat, Mr Buzdar said the government would fulfil its responsibility to maintain the law and order in the province.

Provincial Minister for Public Prosecution Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, SACM Hassaan Khawar, chief secretary, IGP, additional chief secretary home, principal secretary to CM and other officials concerned were present on the occasion.

SARWAR: Governor Chaudhry Sarwar hopes that a dialogue between the government and the banned outfit is expected to yield a positive result.

Speaking to media, the governor said the government was faced with economic and other multiple challenges and it was taking all possible steps to tackle these challenges. He said maintenance of law and order was imperative for the economic development and stability of the country.

He said a dialogue was being held between the federal government and the representatives of the banned outfit, adding that he was hopeful that the dialogue would be fruitful.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2021