LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari revealed on Tuesday that gold, silver, luxury watches, and multiple bank accounts have been recovered from Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi’s residence as part of an ongoing crackdown against the group.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the minister said 1.92 kilograms of gold, 898 grams of silver, 69 branded watches, and INR 50,000 were found at Rizvi’s home, while 91 bank accounts linked to him have been frozen.
Bukhari said terrorism cases will be registered against those funding the banned outfit, adding that 3,800 facilitators have been identified.
She clarified that while the government has no plan to move the grave of TLP founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi, gatherings aimed at fundraising or inciting unrest at the site will not be permitted.
The minister said that TLP activists spread false propaganda about “dead bodies” during recent protests, confirming that three civilians were killed and 45 others injured in Muridke, all of whom were bystanders. During the violent demonstrations, 110 police personnel were also wounded, and several police and Rescue 1122 vehicles were torched, she added.
Bukhari said that among the financiers of TLP were “prominent and educated individuals”, adding that the management of 330 TLP-linked mosques has been taken over by the government and handed to moderate Sunni scholars.
“These mosques will remain open for prayers, but misuse of loudspeakers will not be tolerated,” she said, urging all sects to comply with the Loudspeaker Act.
She added that 223 TLP-affiliated seminaries have been geo-tagged, most of which will reopen soon under new supervision, while a few remain under investigation.
The minister also revealed that six TLP seminaries were built on government property, and a special prosecution cell has been formed to pursue these cases “scientifically and strictly.”
Rejecting rumours circulating on social media, Bukhari confirmed that Saad Rizvi and his brother are alive, saying both are being tracked and will “soon be brought to justice.”
She further said that the Punjab cabinet has recommended a ban on TLP to the federal government, and a decision is expected within days.
“The TLP has been divided into three tiers — leadership, organisers, and online propagandists — and the state will deal with all of them with full force,” the minister asserted.
