Statement: Prime Minister Imran Khan stated on Tuesday morning that the government had no intention of unbanning the TLP. This statement is followed up hours after the banned party called off its nationwide protests after the government agreed to discuss a resolution in parliament on expelling the French Ambassador. The PM said that the only way the party does get unbanned is through proper legal procedures and by approaching the court of law.
PM Imran Khan says govt will not be lifting the ban on TLP, which the group may challenge in court if it wishes. Info Minister Fawad Chaudhry says those TLP activists arrested under MPO will be released, but those facing actual charges will remain in jail. https://t.co/40kwpKArnH
— Asad Hashim (@AsadHashim) April 21, 2021
The conundrum: The masses have expressed confusion over this statement as the actions of the government are not aligning with their statements. Yesterday in parliament, most speakers referred to the members of the banned outfit as “friends”, language that is inappropriate for a party that has been banned under the anti-terrorism ordinance. Furthermore, if the outfit is to remain banned, it makes little sense that the government is giving into their demands and having multiple rounds of negotiations with them. Offering of Fateha during assembly hearings for TLP workers but not for the slain police officers adds further confusion.
State of negotiations: The government set to discuss the proposed set of negotiations between the special members and the TLP representatives.The parliament will decide today whether to vote on expelling the French Ambassador or to pass a unanimous agreement for it.