As the federal government moves swiftly towards declaring Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) a proscribed organisation, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to apprehend the group’s chief, Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi, and his brother Anas Rizvi, both wanted in connection with the murder of a police inspector and several anti-state offences.

Multiple cases have been registered against the Rizvi brothers under the Anti-Terrorism Act and other serious provisions, including attempted murder. According to the FIR lodged in Muridke, the incident occurred when thousands of TLP workers gathered on GT Road, armed with batons, petrol bombs, stones, and even firearms.
When police attempted to disperse the crowd, Saad Rizvi allegedly opened fire from the stage, directly targeting the Factory Area SHO with intent to kill. The officer sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen and later succumbed to his injuries. Anas Rizvi also reportedly fired at the police, injuring several officers before both brothers escaped the scene.

Initially, rumours suggested that the Rizvi brothers had fled either to interior Sindh or abroad. However, Punjab Police intelligence reports now confirm that both are hiding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Following the Muridke crackdown, the brothers abandoned their followers and were last seen fleeing on a motorcycle. Law enforcement officials launched an emergency alert, but the suspects managed to evade capture. Later, social media buzzed with unverified claims of their injuries, while police asserted they were closing in on the duo.
Special teams were subsequently deployed to locate them, conducting raids across multiple districts. Authorities now claim to have traced their “last confirmed location” to a friend’s residence in AJK and have sought assistance from the AJK government for their arrest.

Meanwhile, following the Punjab government’s recommendation, the federal cabinet is expected to grant final approval today to a complete ban on TLP. Once endorsed, a formal reference will be filed in the Supreme Court to declare the organisation outlawed.
According to official sources, both the government and the establishment have reached a consensus on banning TLP, viewing it as a necessary step to curb violent extremism. The ban, insiders suggest, is now a matter of when, not if.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has stated that banning TLP and arresting the Rizvi brothers is the government’s “top priority” to protect citizens’ lives.

“The security agencies have successfully traced both brothers and will arrest them soon. Anyone attempting to challenge the state again will meet the same fate as TLP,” she warned.

Bokhari revealed that 161 TLP activists are currently imprisoned, while 190 others are on judicial remand. “The leadership will be held accountable for every act of violence and attack on law enforcement,” she added, emphasising that no leniency will be shown.