TLP head Saad Rizvi released from prison

LAHORE: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi has been released from prison after a secret deal with the government, local media reported.

The development comes days after the government struck a deal with the Islamist party which had set out for another round of protest march in Islamabad.

On their way to Islamabad from Lahore, TLP activists armed with sticks, stones and bamboos restored to violence at several points, resulting in the death of at least five security personnel.

Following days of violence, the government reached out to the group and agreed to release Rizvi and scores of others TLP workers from prisons.

The TLP chief was taken into custody in April shortly after the federal government had declared the TLP a proscribed organization under anti-terrorism laws and launched a broad crackdown against it.

According to a source, the TLP chief is expected to arrive at Jamia Rehmat ul Aalimeen, where he will be greeted by his supporters and activists.