CASeS fiLed AgAinSt tLp LeAderS

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE — The police on Sunday arrested nearly 250 people from across the country on charges of arson, vandalism and violence during the threeday protests following the acquittal of Asia Bibi.

A day after striking a deal with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party, the government swung into action and started a crackdown on the people who vandalised public properties during the protests.

The interior ministry has initiated criminal proceedings against the rioters and booked 5,000 people, including TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and senior leader Afzal Qadri, on charges of rioting and disrupting peace.

In Lahore, the police registered 11 cases against 1,500 persons, including the TLP leaders for blocking roads and creating law and order situation. The FIRs against Qadri and Rizvi have been sealed,

The Express Tribune reported. In Faisalabad, the police registered 29 cases against 3,000 protesters and arrested 218 persons. In Chiniot, 3 cases were registered and 13 persons were arrested; in Sargodha 2 cases were registered against 300 persons.