SHABQADAR: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) absconding acting chief Dr Shafiq Ameeni was arrested from Charsadda’s Umarzai area on Friday, police said.
Charsadda District Police Officer (DPO) Irfanullah confirmed that Dr Ameeni was arrested during a protest rally held against the acquittal of Aasia Bibi – a Christian woman accused of blasphemy in 2010 and sentenced to death – by the Supreme Court (SC).
The suspect was wanted in connection with motorway blockage and an anti-government sit-in, among other cases relating to rioting and inflicting losses to the national exchequer, according to police.
The absconder was arrested while leading the protest rally, DPO Irfan added.
Since TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi, leader Pir Afzal Qadri and others are in detention, Ameeni was serving as the party’s acting chief.
He announced Friday’s protest demonstration two days ago, said the police officer, adding that he led Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid Muhammad Amin and later left to lead the rally against the apex court’s verdict.