TLP chief's release: SC remands Saad Rizvi's detention case back to LHC

The Supreme Court’s Lahore Registry has remanded the matter of leader of proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Saad Hussain Rizvi's release to the Lahore High Court (LHC) for a two-member special bench to decide after hearing arguments from both sides, it was reported on Tuesday.

Rizvi was taken into custody a few months ago for allegedly inciting violence and creating a law and order situation.

The Punjab government had challenged the LHC’s order to release the TLP chief. On October 1, the LHC had declared the detention of Saad as illegal and ordered his release.

However, the government said that the release order did not fulfill all legal requirements.

Release of Saad Rizvi: Punjab govt moves SC against LHC decision

When the matter was taken up by a two-member bench today, comprising Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and Justice Sayyed Mazhar Ali Akbar Naqvi, the Punjab government’s lawyer said that during the protests in April 2021, 12 people, including three policemen were killed.

He added that the TLP chief was detained in April after he called for protests to press for the expulsion of the French ambassador.

He contended that the high court’s review did not extend the detention of Saad.

Justice Naqvi asked the government lawyer if a gazetted notification had been issued for Rizvi’s detention under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The lawyer replied that the government had indeed issued the notification.

Saad's counsel told the court that the TLP chief was in jail before the riots started. "Saad Rizvi has been in jail for six months without any reason," he said.

FIR registered against TLP Chief Saad Hussain Rizvi under Anti Terrorism Act

The SC bench noted that no injustice will be allowed to happen with anyone and remanded the matter to the LHC for a two-judge special bench to decide after hearing the case.

DC issues release orders

On October 9, the Lahore deputy commissioner (DC) issued an order for the release of Saad days after the LHC declared his detention illegal, approving a petition filed by the TLP chief's uncle against his continued incarceration.

Saad was detained by police on April 12 after the TLP held protests, which had led to violence in cities across Pakistan.

The TLP demanded the government to expel the French envoy to Pakistan ever since blasphemous caricatures of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were published in France and their publication was supported by the French president.