Pakistan to quash all cases against banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan

Supporters of TLP party hold placards as they shout slogans during a protest after their leader was detained following his calls for the expulsion of the French ambassador, in Lahore on Tuesday. Pic/AFP

Pakistan's government on Tuesday announced to introduce a resolution in Parliament on the expulsion of the French ambassador and quash all cases filed against the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) as it reached a deal with the radical Islamist party following a marathon round of talks.

"Under a marathon round of talks and an agreement reached with the TLP, a resolution on the expulsion of the French ambassador will be presented on Tuesday in the National Assembly," Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said in a video statement.

The cases against TLP workers, registered under terrorism charges, will also be quashed. Besides, the names of TLP leaders from the Fourth Schedule will also be taken off, Rashid said.

The expulsion of the French ambassador is one of the main four demands of the radical Islamist party, which was banned last week after its members staged violent anti-France protests across the country.

On Monday, the National Assembly session was adjourned to meet again on April 22. However, shortly after the minister's statement, it was announced that the schedule had been changed and the session would take place on April 20 at 3 pm.

Rashid said that the TLP has agreed to call off its sit-in in Lahore and elsewhere in the country.

Further talks with the TLP will continue, Rashid said while making the video statement before the TLP leaders at its headquarters in Lahore.

The government delegation comprised Rashid, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, Federal Religious Affairs Minister Pir Noorul Haq Qadri and Punjab Law Minister Basharay Raja.

US continues dialogue with Pak

The US continues to have a dialogue with Pakistan on issues related to terrorism along the border with Afghanistan. "We continue to have a dialogue with Pakistan about terrorist issues along that border with Afghanistan. I think it's helpful to remind that they too have suffered from terrorist attacks," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said.

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