In clashes with workers of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore, three policemen were killed and several others hurt, said officials on Friday. &nbsp;

Lahore DIG (Operation) spokesperson Mazhar Hussain in a statement, identified two slain officials as Ayub and Khalid. The identity of the third official is yet to be ascertained. But a statement from the provincial chief minister said that three cops were martyred. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-pakistan-tv-channels-told-to-stop-airing-hugging-scenes-in-dramas-423167" hreflang="en">In Pakistan,&nbsp;TV channels told to&nbsp;stop airing&nbsp;'hugging scenes' in dramas</a>

The spokesperson said that several others were also injured and taken to the hospitals in critical condition. "Protesters also hurled petrol bombs on officials," Hussain said, while adding that the officials made efforts to prevent them from vandalising and damaging public property. &nbsp;

The angry mob also used sticks and pelted stones. Despite the violence, the officials were showing restraint, added the spokesperson. &nbsp;

TLP media coordinator Saddam Bukhari said the police attacked the peaceful rally that was on its way to Islamabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, more than 1,000 people gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, blocking roads and demanding the release of the TLP leader, Saad Rizvi.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-pak-fm-qureshi-talibans-muttaqi-share-details-with-wion-on-kabul-talks-422844" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Pak FM Qureshi, Taliban's Muttaqi brief WION on Kabul talks</a> &nbsp;

Rizvi was arrested in April, when Pakistan's government outlawed the party in response to violent anti-France protests. &nbsp;

The TLP has said it will not end protests or enter into talks with the government until their leader is released. &nbsp;

Supporters have threatened to move in convoys towards the capital, Islamabad, where police have closed off roads with shipping containers. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

In clashes with workers of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore, three policemen were killed and several others hurt, said officials on Friday. Lahore DIG (Operation) spokesperson Mazhar Hussain in a statement, identified two slain officials as Ayub and Khalid.

In clashes with workers of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore, three policemen were killed and several others hurt, said officials on Friday. Lahore DIG (Operation) spokesperson Mazhar Hussain in a statement, identified two slain officials as Ayub and Khalid. The identity of the third official is yet to be ascertained. But a statement from the provincial chief minister said that three cops were martyred. Also Read: In Pakistan, TV channels told to stop airing 'hugging scenes' in dramas The spokesperson said that several others were also injured and taken to the hospitals in critical condition. "Protesters also hurled petrol bombs on officials," Hussain said, while adding that the officials made efforts to prevent them from vandalising and damaging public property. The angry mob also used sticks and pelted stones. Despite the violence, the officials were showing restraint, added the spokesperson. TLP media coordinator Saddam Bukhari said the police attacked the peaceful rally that was on its way to Islamabad. Earlier, more than 1,000 people gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, blocking roads and demanding the release of the TLP leader, Saad Rizvi. Also Read | Exclusive: Pak FM Qureshi, Taliban's Muttaqi brief WION on Kabul talks Rizvi was arrested in April, when Pakistan's government outlawed the party in response to violent anti-France protests. The TLP has said it will not end protests or enter into talks with the government until their leader is released. Supporters have threatened to move in convoys towards the capital, Islamabad, where police have closed off roads with shipping containers. (With inputs from agencies)

In clashes with TLP protesters, 3 cops killed, many hurt in Pakistan’s Lahore

A cartoon has destabilised Pakistan, a country of 220 million people. Islamist radicals have taken law and order hostage and the prime minister, who once asked his citizens to unite against France, is now having a tough time explaining why he can't send the French ambassador back. &nbsp;

The violent protests, which began almost a week back, is far from being over. On one hand, are the supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and on the other, Pakistan's security forces. They are clashing endlessly.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-protests-blasphemy-378885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There's violence in almost every major city, such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, etc. Every city in Pakistan is grappling with unrest.&nbsp;

What do the protesters want? Four things:&nbsp;the release of their leader Saad Hussain Rizvi, the lift of the ban on their group, quashing of all cases against its members, release of the arrested protesters and expelling of the French ambassador to Pakistan, Marc Barety.&nbsp;

Have the demands been met? So far, Islamabad has only agreed to release some of those arrested for disrupting law and order. It says it won't lift the ban on TLP and won't release its leader.&nbsp;

For the fourth demand, Imran Khan says, expelling the French ambassador will not change a thing. Besides ruining Islamabad's already rocky ties with European nations and maybe triggering some sanctions. Imran Khan said, "My question is that, will sending the French ambassador back and cutting ties stop this? Is there a guarantee&nbsp;that no one will insult the Prophet afterwards? Is there a guarantee?"&nbsp;

Khan added, "When we expel the French ambassador and cut ties with France, it means we will cut ties with the European Union (EU). Half of our textile export goes to Europe, this means half of our textile exports will be reduced there, which means unemployment and the closure of the factories."&nbsp;

When Charlie Hebdo republished Prophet Muhammad's caricatures, Imran Khan went all out to project himself as the custodian of Islamic faith. He put out sanctimonious tweets, preaching Emmanuel Macron on what the hallmarks of a true leader are. He also milked anti-France sentiments and gave a free run to protesters in his country. Rallies were held across Pakistan, calling for the death for Emmanuel Macron and the boycott of French products. &nbsp;

The Imran Khan govt led from the front and now when the chickens have come home to roost, the same prime minister is preaching tolerance, and to save face, the Pakistan govt has introduced a resolution on the expulsion of the French ambassador in Pakistan's national assembly. The debate has kickstarted, but not how the PTI wanted it to.&nbsp;

The opposition is going all guns blazing in exposing Imran Khan's hypocrisy. Ahsan Iqbal, opposition lawmaker, said, "The blasphemy was committed in France and we have to discuss this issue here in the Parliament. Mr&nbsp;Speaker, I was expecting that whenever there is a session over the honour and respect of Prophet Muhammad, it would be the most important session for any lawmaker or a Pakistani Muslim, (more) than any business. So, I expect that the prime minister should be on his chair during the session, and today's resolution should be presented by the prime minister himself."&nbsp;

Imran Khan also has some advice for Western nations. He has asked them to criminalise blasphemy against Islam. He says that insulting Prophet Muhammad should be treated the same way as the denial of holocaust. Says the leader of a country that uses faith to justify terrorism. &nbsp;

Why other Islamic countries are not protesting? The protests in Pakistan are as much religious as they are political. The TLP has a history of being backed by the Pakistan Army and the ISI. It was brought into the mainstream as a tool of political engineering and to launch Imran Khan to power. Now, this party has gone rogue and it has turned blasphemy into a political weapon and won the support of the general public. Imagine the implications to South Asia, if this party comes to power in the future.&nbsp;

A cartoon has destabilised Pakistan, a country of 220 million people. Islamist radicals have taken law and order hostage and the prime minister, who once asked his citizens to unite against France, is now having a tough time explaining why he can't send the French ambassador back.

A cartoon has destabilised Pakistan, a country of 220 million people. Islamist radicals have taken law and order hostage and the prime minister, who once asked his citizens to unite against France, is now having a tough time explaining why he can't send the French ambassador back. The violent protests, which began almost a week back, is far from being over. On one hand, are the supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and on the other, Pakistan's security forces. They are clashing endlessly. There's violence in almost every major city, such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, etc. Every city in Pakistan is grappling with unrest. What do the protesters want? Four things: the release of their leader Saad Hussain Rizvi, the lift of the ban on their group, quashing of all cases against its members, release of the arrested protesters and expelling of the French ambassador to Pakistan, Marc Barety. Have the demands been met? So far, Islamabad has only agreed to release some of those arrested for disrupting law and order. It says it won't lift the ban on TLP and won't release its leader. For the fourth demand, Imran Khan says, expelling the French ambassador will not change a thing. Besides ruining Islamabad's already rocky ties with European nations and maybe triggering some sanctions. Imran Khan said, "My question is that, will sending the French ambassador back and cutting ties stop this? Is there a guarantee that no one will insult the Prophet afterwards? Is there a guarantee?" Khan added, "When we expel the French ambassador and cut ties with France, it means we will cut ties with the European Union (EU). Half of our textile export goes to Europe, this means half of our textile exports will be reduced there, which means unemployment and the closure of the factories." When Charlie Hebdo republished Prophet Muhammad's caricatures, Imran Khan went all out to project himself as the custodian of Islamic faith. He put out sanctimonious tweets, preaching Emmanuel Macron on what the hallmarks of a true leader are. He also milked anti-France sentiments and gave a free run to protesters in his country. Rallies were held across Pakistan, calling for the death for Emmanuel Macron and the boycott of French products. The Imran Khan govt led from the front and now when the chickens have come home to roost, the same prime minister is preaching tolerance, and to save face, the Pakistan govt has introduced a resolution on the expulsion of the French ambassador in Pakistan's national assembly. The debate has kickstarted, but not how the PTI wanted it to. The opposition is going all guns blazing in exposing Imran Khan's hypocrisy. Ahsan Iqbal, opposition lawmaker, said, "The blasphemy was committed in France and we have to discuss this issue here in the Parliament. Mr Speaker, I was expecting that whenever there is a session over the honour and respect of Prophet Muhammad, it would be the most important session for any lawmaker or a Pakistani Muslim, (more) than any business. So, I expect that the prime minister should be on his chair during the session, and today's resolution should be presented by the prime minister himself." Imran Khan also has some advice for Western nations. He has asked them to criminalise blasphemy against Islam. He says that insulting Prophet Muhammad should be treated the same way as the denial of holocaust. Says the leader of a country that uses faith to justify terrorism. Why other Islamic countries are not protesting? The protests in Pakistan are as much religious as they are political. The TLP has a history of being backed by the Pakistan Army and the ISI. It was brought into the mainstream as a tool of political engineering and to launch Imran Khan to power. Now, this party has gone rogue and it has turned blasphemy into a political weapon and won the support of the general public. Imagine the implications to South Asia, if this party comes to power in the future.

TLP’s violent protests bring more turmoil to Pakistan 

Pakistan government has registered a total of 210 first information reports (FIRs) against workers of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following the week-long violent protests. The total number of cases included one against, TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi.

Addressing a press conference here, Interior Minister of Pakistan Sheikh Rashid on Wednesday said that said 669 out of 733 workers of the banned party who were arrested following violent clashes last week had been released.Most of these workers were from south Punjab and Faisalabad, the minister added.

On Tuesday, a session of the country`s National Assembly was called to debate on the expulsion of the French ambassador from Pakistan&nbsp;one of the main demands made by the proscribed TLP.Meanwhile, Pakistan`s Punjab government placed more than 100 clerics of the outlawed group on the list of terrorism and sectarianism suspects.

A top official of the Punjab Home Department confirmed that the decision has been taken on the recommendation of the District Intelligence Committees. He said over 100 TLP clerics have been placed on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the News International reported.

TLP has recently been banned by the Pakistan government after violent protests following the arrest of their chief Saad Hussain Rizvi in Lahore on April 12. TLP Pakistan is a hardline religious group with a massive following across Pakistan. Recently, clashes broke out between TLP supporters and law enforcers.

On Sunday, the city of Lahore became a battleground as workers of the recently banned party and policemen clashed. TLP workers also took 11 policemen hostage, who were later released after the first round of talks with the government.The government is currently engaging in talks with the workers of the TLP after a clash with the police in Lahore on Sunday.

Pakistan government has registered a total of 210 first information reports (FIRs) against workers of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following the week-long violent protests.

Pakistan government has registered a total of 210 first information reports (FIRs) against workers of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following the week-long violent protests. The total number of cases included one against, TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi. Addressing a press conference here, Interior Minister of Pakistan Sheikh Rashid on Wednesday said that said 669 out of 733 workers of the banned party who were arrested following violent clashes last week had been released.Most of these workers were from south Punjab and Faisalabad, the minister added. On Tuesday, a session of the country`s National Assembly was called to debate on the expulsion of the French ambassador from Pakistan one of the main demands made by the proscribed TLP.Meanwhile, Pakistan`s Punjab government placed more than 100 clerics of the outlawed group on the list of terrorism and sectarianism suspects. A top official of the Punjab Home Department confirmed that the decision has been taken on the recommendation of the District Intelligence Committees. He said over 100 TLP clerics have been placed on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the News International reported. TLP has recently been banned by the Pakistan government after violent protests following the arrest of their chief Saad Hussain Rizvi in Lahore on April 12. TLP Pakistan is a hardline religious group with a massive following across Pakistan. Recently, clashes broke out between TLP supporters and law enforcers. On Sunday, the city of Lahore became a battleground as workers of the recently banned party and policemen clashed. TLP workers also took 11 policemen hostage, who were later released after the first round of talks with the government.The government is currently engaging in talks with the workers of the TLP after a clash with the police in Lahore on Sunday.

Pakistan govt registers 210 cases against radical Islamist party TLP

After days of heated anti-France protests in the country, officials have reported that at least seven Pakistan police officers and special rangers were taken hostage during the protests.

Protests broke out in Pakistan last week after the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was detained in Lahore after demanding the expulsion of the French ambassador.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supports-orderly-responsible-troop-pullout-from-afghanistan-qureshi-378476" hreflang="en">Pakistan supports 'orderly', 'responsible' troop pullout from Afghanistan: Qureshi</a>

"The TLP members are holding five police officers and two rangers hostage," Rana Arif, a police spokesperson told the news agency AFP.

During these protests, at least six policemen have lost their lives and several others injured in the violent clashes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-the-country-that-influences-conflict-in-afghanistan-378073" hreflang="en">Pakistan: The country that influences conflict in Afghanistan</a>

Following the violent clashes, the French government had urged its citizens to return back to France citing concerns about their safety.

"Violent groups armed with petrol bombs and acid bottles stormed the Nawankot police station this morning," Firdous Ashiq Awan, a spokeswoman for the Punjab provincial government tweeted.

TLP has claimed that several party supporters were killed during the Sunday clashes but have refused to bury the dead bodies till the "French ambassador is kicked out," Allama Muhammad Shafiq Amini, a TLP leader in the city, said in a video statement.&nbsp;

After days of heated anti-France protests in the country, officials have reported that at least seven Pakistan police officers and special rangers were taken hostage during the protests.

After days of heated anti-France protests in the country, officials have reported that at least seven Pakistan police officers and special rangers were taken hostage during the protests. Protests broke out in Pakistan last week after the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was detained in Lahore after demanding the expulsion of the French ambassador. Also read | Pakistan supports 'orderly', 'responsible' troop pullout from Afghanistan: Qureshi "The TLP members are holding five police officers and two rangers hostage," Rana Arif, a police spokesperson told the news agency AFP. During these protests, at least six policemen have lost their lives and several others injured in the violent clashes. Also read | Pakistan: The country that influences conflict in Afghanistan Following the violent clashes, the French government had urged its citizens to return back to France citing concerns about their safety. "Violent groups armed with petrol bombs and acid bottles stormed the Nawankot police station this morning," Firdous Ashiq Awan, a spokeswoman for the Punjab provincial government tweeted. TLP has claimed that several party supporters were killed during the Sunday clashes but have refused to bury the dead bodies till the "French ambassador is kicked out," Allama Muhammad Shafiq Amini, a TLP leader in the city, said in a video statement.

Pakistan police officers taken hostage during anti-France protests: Officials

Following the series of violent protests by the radical Islamist party, the provincial government in Pakistan's Punjab on Saturday placed Saad Rizvi, the chief of the banned party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), on the country's fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), Geo News reports.

The fourth schedule is a list of proscribed individuals who are suspected of terrorism and/or sectarianism. 
According to a government notification, Rizvi's assets have been frozen, and his national identity card has been blocked. Under this provision, the TLP chief cannot conduct transactions via banks, nor can he sell or purchase any property.

This comes a day after TLP was banned, under the country's anti-terrorism law and the federal government of Pakistan moved to Supreme Court for dissolution of the TLP that caused violent protests this week following the arrest of their leader.

The TLP is protesting against the arrest of their leader Rizvi, who was taken into custody earlier this week, and blasphemous caricatures published in France. The protests have turned violent and several casualties have also been reported.

The demonstrators have demanded that the French ambassador be sent home and import of goods from that country should be banned, as reported by Dawn.

According to media reports, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government signed an agreement with the TLP in November last agreeing to expel the French Ambassador.

The TLP launched a massive protest in November last year against the cartoons but dispersed after the agreement with the government to expel the Ambassador by February. The deal was extended until April 20.

Following the series of violent protests by the radical Islamist party, the provincial government in Pakistan's Punjab on Saturday placed Saad Rizvi, the chief of the banned party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), on the country's fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), Geo News reports.

Following the series of violent protests by the radical Islamist party, the provincial government in Pakistan's Punjab on Saturday placed Saad Rizvi, the chief of the banned party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), on the country's fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), Geo News reports. The fourth schedule is a list of proscribed individuals who are suspected of terrorism and/or sectarianism. According to a government notification, Rizvi's assets have been frozen, and his national identity card has been blocked. Under this provision, the TLP chief cannot conduct transactions via banks, nor can he sell or purchase any property. This comes a day after TLP was banned, under the country's anti-terrorism law and the federal government of Pakistan moved to Supreme Court for dissolution of the TLP that caused violent protests this week following the arrest of their leader. The TLP is protesting against the arrest of their leader Rizvi, who was taken into custody earlier this week, and blasphemous caricatures published in France. The protests have turned violent and several casualties have also been reported. The demonstrators have demanded that the French ambassador be sent home and import of goods from that country should be banned, as reported by Dawn. According to media reports, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government signed an agreement with the TLP in November last agreeing to expel the French Ambassador. The TLP launched a massive protest in November last year against the cartoons but dispersed after the agreement with the government to expel the Ambassador by February. The deal was extended until April 20.

After violent protests, Pak govt freezes assets of banned party TLP's chief

France has asked its citizens to leave Pakistan as #FranceLeavePakistan trended on Twitter. The French Embassy has been turned into a fortress after some called for the death of the French Ambassador. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what's happening.

Gravitas: France tells citizens to leave Pakistan

In the wake of violent ant-France protests across Pakistan, the French embassy in Pakistan has advised all French nationals and companies to temporarily leave the country. Violent anti-France protests paralysed large parts of the country this week.

French embassy advises citizens to leave Pakistan after anti-French protests

Pakistan on Wednesday decided to ban a radical Islamist party under the Terrorism Act after its supporters clashed with the law enforcement agencies for the third consecutive day, leaving seven persons dead and over 300 policemen injured.&nbsp;

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told the media that the Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) was being banned under the Rule 11-B of Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.&nbsp;

"I have approved a proposal sent by the government of Punjab to ban the TLP," he said. "We have also warned those who are funding the TLP."&nbsp;

Ahmed said that at least two police officials were killed and 340 others injured in clashes with the protestors during the last two days.&nbsp;

There were media reports that at least two protestors were also killed.&nbsp;

The announcement came hours after the Pakistani Rangers cleared the major thoroughfares of the country following sporadic clashes with TLP supporters in some towns and cities.&nbsp;

The TLP had launched the country-wide protest on Monday after the arrest of its chief Saad Hussain Rizvi ahead of April 20 deadline the Islamists had given to the Imran Khan government for the expulsion of the French ambassador for publication. The demand was made over the publishing of cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in France.&nbsp;

The TLP, which bagged 2.5 million votes in the 2018 general elections, blocked roads across the country following the arrest of Saad Rizvi, son of Khadim Hussain Rizvi, who died a few months ago.&nbsp;

The minister said that all motorways and highways had been cleared and the main choking point in major cities had also been cleared for traffic.&nbsp;

Over 800 Indian Sikhs, who arrived in Lahore via Wagah border on Monday to attend Vaisakhi festival in Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hassanabdal, Rawalpindi, finally reached their destination on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

On Tuesday afternoon, the visiting Indian Sikhs left Lahore for Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hassanabdal in 25 buses, which were escorted by police and Rangers. "Owing to the TLP protest that blocked roads, the Sikh yatrees reached Hassanabdal at 4 am Wednesday after over 14 hours journey which otherwise is covered in three hours," an official of the Punjab government said.&nbsp;

The law enforcement agencies claim to have arrested over 2,000 TLP workers across the country mostly from Punjab.&nbsp;

Ahmed said that "the government will deal with an iron fist with those who take the law into their own hands".&nbsp;

He said Rangers would remain deployed in all major cities of the country during the month of Ramadan to maintain law and order. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday decided to ban a radical Islamist party under the Terrorism Act after its supporters clashed with the law enforcement agencies for the third consecutive day, leaving seven persons dead and over 300 policemen injured.

Pakistan on Wednesday decided to ban a radical Islamist party under the Terrorism Act after its supporters clashed with the law enforcement agencies for the third consecutive day, leaving seven persons dead and over 300 policemen injured. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told the media that the Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) was being banned under the Rule 11-B of Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997. "I have approved a proposal sent by the government of Punjab to ban the TLP," he said. "We have also warned those who are funding the TLP." Ahmed said that at least two police officials were killed and 340 others injured in clashes with the protestors during the last two days. There were media reports that at least two protestors were also killed. The announcement came hours after the Pakistani Rangers cleared the major thoroughfares of the country following sporadic clashes with TLP supporters in some towns and cities. The TLP had launched the country-wide protest on Monday after the arrest of its chief Saad Hussain Rizvi ahead of April 20 deadline the Islamists had given to the Imran Khan government for the expulsion of the French ambassador for publication. The demand was made over the publishing of cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in France. The TLP, which bagged 2.5 million votes in the 2018 general elections, blocked roads across the country following the arrest of Saad Rizvi, son of Khadim Hussain Rizvi, who died a few months ago. The minister said that all motorways and highways had been cleared and the main choking point in major cities had also been cleared for traffic. Over 800 Indian Sikhs, who arrived in Lahore via Wagah border on Monday to attend Vaisakhi festival in Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hassanabdal, Rawalpindi, finally reached their destination on Wednesday morning. On Tuesday afternoon, the visiting Indian Sikhs left Lahore for Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hassanabdal in 25 buses, which were escorted by police and Rangers. "Owing to the TLP protest that blocked roads, the Sikh yatrees reached Hassanabdal at 4 am Wednesday after over 14 hours journey which otherwise is covered in three hours," an official of the Punjab government said. The law enforcement agencies claim to have arrested over 2,000 TLP workers across the country mostly from Punjab. Ahmed said that "the government will deal with an iron fist with those who take the law into their own hands". He said Rangers would remain deployed in all major cities of the country during the month of Ramadan to maintain law and order. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan bans radical Islamist party after clashes leave 7 dead, over 300 hurt 

Protests have erupted in several cities across Pakistan after Lahore police took the far-right TLP leader Saad Rizvi into custody. So far 3 people including one policeman has been killed in the violent demonstrations.

Protests across Pakistan after Lahore police arrested far-right TLP leader Saad Rizvi

Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi the founder of an influential Pakistani Islamist party, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has died on Thursday in Lahore at the age of 54. The cause of his death was not immediately clear.

Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi Passes Away in Lahore

Progressive Pakistani thinkers have expressed their grave concerns over Pakistan's drift towards authoritarianism, expansion of the military's control over public policy and weakening of civilian institutions.

Addressing a conference titled 'Democracy, Human Rights and Ending Terrorism in Pakistan', <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorism-and-international-isolation-threat-to-pak-says-former-pak-envoy-to-us-184530">Husain Haqqani</a>, the former Ambassador of Pakistan to the US said, "Pakistan is only a democracy in name not in reality."&nbsp;

The event was organised by South Asians Against Terrorism &amp; for Human Rights (SAATH) Forum.&nbsp;

He raised concerns over growing threats to minority communities and the deteriorating human rights situation in the country where the elected government has failed to protect civil rights.

Assurances given by current Pakistan Army Chief (General Qamar Javed Bajwa) proved sufficient to halt target killings of Hazara citizens in Balochistan, which raises questions as to why similar assurances and actions were not available under previous army chiefs, Haqqani said.

He added, "Sindhi and Balochi language provinces are the oppressed groups and communities in Pakistan. Their culture and languages are being eliminated in the name creating a uniform country. Countries don`t become strong by eliminating diversity - they become strong by embracing it."

The participants denounced blocking of websites, including Voice of America (VOA), stifling of debate and freedom of media.

The conference condemned the practice of abductions of journalists and bloggers and threats to Pakistani dissidents and social media activists abroad.

The conference demanded action to be taken against hate groups and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pakistans-terror-triangle-general-zia-musharraf-the-hafiz-saeed-connection-578#who-was-zia-ul-haq-60079">extremist organisations</a> like the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, also known as Lashkar-e-Taiba, ostensibly being mainstreamed by the security establishment.

Haqqani said the people of Pakistan are paying a huge price for sheltering these terrorists.&nbsp;

He said, "The memories of Peshawar attack haunts the Pakistanis till today in which many students were massacred by the terrorists. We want a country where children can safely go to school rather than becoming targets of terrorists many of whom were cultivated by Pakistan itself."

The conference was attended by Congressmen Brad Sherman who showed his concern over the forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls in Pakistan.

He said, "We see the issue of forced conversions of about 1000 young women in Pakistan forcibly converted after marriage 70 per cent of them being Hindus. I want to condemn this in legislature."

"Media in Pakistan was fully controlled in 1971. We did not hear about the atrocities in East Pakistan. We did not know about the loss of half of our country," said Haqqani in his concluding remarks.

Progressive Pakistani thinkers have expressed their grave concerns over Pakistan's drift towards authoritarianism, expansion of the military's control over public policy and weakening of civilian institutions.

Progressive Pakistani thinkers have expressed their grave concerns over Pakistan's drift towards authoritarianism, expansion of the military's control over public policy and weakening of civilian institutions. Addressing a conference titled 'Democracy, Human Rights and Ending Terrorism in Pakistan', Husain Haqqani, the former Ambassador of Pakistan to the US said, "Pakistan is only a democracy in name not in reality." The event was organised by South Asians Against Terrorism & for Human Rights (SAATH) Forum. He raised concerns over growing threats to minority communities and the deteriorating human rights situation in the country where the elected government has failed to protect civil rights. Assurances given by current Pakistan Army Chief (General Qamar Javed Bajwa) proved sufficient to halt target killings of Hazara citizens in Balochistan, which raises questions as to why similar assurances and actions were not available under previous army chiefs, Haqqani said. He added, "Sindhi and Balochi language provinces are the oppressed groups and communities in Pakistan. Their culture and languages are being eliminated in the name creating a uniform country. Countries don`t become strong by eliminating diversity - they become strong by embracing it." The participants denounced blocking of websites, including Voice of America (VOA), stifling of debate and freedom of media. The conference condemned the practice of abductions of journalists and bloggers and threats to Pakistani dissidents and social media activists abroad. The conference demanded action to be taken against hate groups and extremist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, also known as Lashkar-e-Taiba, ostensibly being mainstreamed by the security establishment. Haqqani said the people of Pakistan are paying a huge price for sheltering these terrorists. He said, "The memories of Peshawar attack haunts the Pakistanis till today in which many students were massacred by the terrorists. We want a country where children can safely go to school rather than becoming targets of terrorists many of whom were cultivated by Pakistan itself." The conference was attended by Congressmen Brad Sherman who showed his concern over the forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls in Pakistan. He said, "We see the issue of forced conversions of about 1000 young women in Pakistan forcibly converted after marriage 70 per cent of them being Hindus. I want to condemn this in legislature." "Media in Pakistan was fully controlled in 1971. We did not hear about the atrocities in East Pakistan. We did not know about the loss of half of our country," said Haqqani in his concluding remarks.

Pakistan is only a democracy in name, not in reality: Former ambassador Husain Haqqani

Tlp, News on Tlp, stories on Tlp, articles on Tlp, Tlp stories at Wion, Tlp news, Tlp latest news

tlp