Govt will have no objection if courts release Saad Rizvi, PM Imran Khan tells Ulema

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – A 31-member delegation of Ulema called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and demanded the release of banned TLP chief Saad Rizvi.

Talking to the delegation, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the government would not object to the release of Saad Rizvi if courts order so.

He said that the expulsion of the French ambassador was not solution to the problem. "We will have to make the world understand the blasphemy issue. The government does not want violence and bloodshed for the long march," he added.

The prime minister said that the police had not adopted the violence and the protesters had started the firing instead. On the advice of the Ulema, Prime Minister Imran Khan stopped the ministers from issuing harsh statements.

Meanwhile, a 12-member committee of Ulema and Mushaikh has been formed to hold talks with the banned TLP.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri said that the prime minister wants to go out of each crisis. "We hope that the participation of Ulema will improve the situation," he added.

Sahibzada Hamid Raza said that the country cannot bear anarchy. He appealed to the protesters to stay at the place where they are present currently. "Talks could disrupt if the protesters marched further," he added.

The Ulema also objected to the presence of a government functionary in the meeting who was later asked to leave by the prime minister. Prime Minister Imran Khan postponed his address to the nation, while a minister also postponed his press conference.

On the other hand, the participants of the long march are staying in Wazirabad. The Rangers have reached Wazirabad Bypass through the Chenab River. Barricades have been erected at several places, making the life of the residents difficult.