TLP Spread False Propaganda About Dead Bodies During Protest: Uzma Bukhari

Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari held a press conference in Lahore where she spoke about recent developments in the province, including flood relief efforts, violent protests, and government action against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

She said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has fulfilled every promise in a very short time. She also announced that flood relief payments have started in 15 districts to help people affected by recent floods. In addition, she said that 30 mobile police stations have been launched to improve law and order across Punjab.

Speaking about the recent protests, Azma Bukhari revealed that 18 police officers were injured by gunfire. She said that protesters used weapons to take over police vehicles, and that videos clearly show armed and stick-carrying men attacking rescue workers. She added that the violent protests led to the deaths of three civilians and injured 48 others. She strongly criticized the narrative linking the protests to Islam and Palestine, calling it misleading and dangerous.

Azma Bukhari also accused TLP leader Saad Rizvi of encouraging protesters to attack the police. She urged parents not to let their children take part in such violence. She claimed that the TLP spread false propaganda, including fake news about dead bodies, and confirmed that no graves are being moved as some had claimed.

She stated that the government has frozen all bank accounts linked to TLP and taken control of 330 mosques associated with the group. She also said that people were being threatened using illegal SIM cards, and that the government now has a list of 3,800 TLP financers.

Azma Bukhari shared details of items recovered from Saad Rizvi’s home, including nearly 2 kilograms of gold, almost 900 grams of silver, 69 branded watches, and other expensive jewelry such as gold bangles, bracelets, rings, and silver crowns.

She added that Rizvi’s two brothers, who were said to be missing, are actually injured. Authorities are tracing them and they are expected to be arrested soon.