Written by : Syed Shahid Kazmi
Rumors are now true. Speculations become realities. Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, commonly known as TLP. Hard liner Khadim Rizvi was first Chief of TLP. He was a great influence of his time. But after his burial, many sects of TLP are trying to gain a top slot in TLP. Pakistan witnessed one of the largest funerals of its history, the funeral of Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the late Chief of TLP. After the death of Khadim Rizvi, Tehreek Labaik Pakistan faced a problem of leadership. Except Khadim Hussain Rizvi, not a single popular face left in TLP. And as the party was also registered with ECP, they for sure needed a popular face to sustain their slot, the number third party, in terms of votes in many constituencies since its creation in 2016. One and only choice was Saad Rizvi, son of late Khadim Hussain Rizvi.
Now here comes the twist in the story. Even when KHR was jolting power corridors, Dr. Ashrif Asif Jalali separated from TLP, Jalali is known as the founding member of TLP which he always claimed to be hijacked afterwards. Let’s cut in short, Dr. Jalali once again on a move after the death of Khadim Hussain Rizvi and he is already trying to get back what was his in the past. He is not successful yet either he can be, as Saad Rizvi already has a great impact on TLP not only as a religious party but a political party also. Saad Rizvi is carrying the legacy of his father, the one and only Khadim Hussain Rizvi. KHR was a loud VOICE, so is Saad Rizvi now. Late Rizve was an influencer so is Saad Rizvi now. Khadim Rizvi was aware of the political situation of Pakistan. It’s the same case with Saad Rizvi also. But more to come as Saad Rizvi is now facing a great danger for survival of TLP as a political party and as a religious school of thought. What is this danger?
TLP is facing a danger as now three separate portions are emerging within the party. Asif Ashraf Jalali holds the leadership of one group. This group is not only working with Dr. Jalali but still having their slot in TLP as they do have a soft corner of Dr. Ashraf Asif Jalali. Second group of followers belongs to the legacy of Late Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi. Saad Rizvi was the only choice after Khadim Rizvi but he faced strong opposition to get a slot from his father. He is still facing this problem. Pir Afzal Qadri, who always hid himself behind Khadim Hussain Rizvi but he is without doubt a strong voice in TLP. But what now is happening? Pir Afzal Qadri is also moving opposite to Saad Rafiq. After the death of Khadim Rizvi there were some voices to cap Afzal Qadri as new Chief of TLP but as Khadim Rizvi left a legacy behind, which was only to be carried by his family member, and choice was Saad Rizvi. Now the main issue, the assets of TLP. PAQ is really upset that Saad Rizvi has not only taken over the party but all the assets of TLP which is in any case not digestive for PAQ. And he is resilient to this cause.
As in the past, we witnessed many groups separated their way from PPP, PML, JUI, it’s now time for TLP. TLP (Rizvi), TLP (Jalali) and TLP (Qadri) are on cards. Street Power of TLP really disturbed power sharers, and the current wave of protest really jolted Pakistan as it became violent. Two policemen killed in clashes, and TLP officials are also claiming 5 casualties from their side. It is really disturbing for the whole of Pakistan. Clashes resulted in Ban on TLP as a political or religious party. They are not entitled to use this name now. TLP bagged three seats in Sindh Assembly in General Elections. Fate of these three MPA’s is yet to be decided now. As they won their seats on ticket of TLP and Election Symbol of Crane, which is allotted to TLP by ECP.
What is going to happen? What’s the fate of TLP? Who is going to handle the scattered vote bank of TLP? Pir Afzal Qadri? Dr. Ashraf Asif Jalali, Saad Rizvi or any new face? These all questions will get answered in the coming days. Latest, Federal Government imposed a ban on TLP. The Prime Minister also approved this ban. Now more to come.
