Islamabad: Over Indian Sikh 800 pilgrims who visited the Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Pakistan's Lahore for Baisakhi celebrations are reportedly stranded after massive violence broke out in the country over arrest of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Saad Hussain Rizvi.
Top sources in government told ABP News that the Centre is continuously monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with Pakistani authorities for the safety of its citizens stuck in the neighbouring country.
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At least two people have died in Pakistan after a massive protest broke out in various parts of the country as its authorities arrested the TLP chief for agitating against perceived blasphemy by French President Emmanuel Macron.
As per reports, the TLP is demanding that the federal government of Pakistan expel the ambassador of France. The group has staged a protest against blasphemous caricatures published in France and is demanding that French ambassador be sent home.
It also want complete ban on import of goods from France.
According to a report by Dawn, government reached an agreement with the TLP on Nov 16 to involve the parliament to decide the matter in three months. However, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan government denied to implement the agreement as the deadline neared and sought more time.
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Soon after government's response, Rizvi asked the TLP workers to be ready to lunch the long march if government failed to meet the deadline. This prompted authorities in Pakistan to arrest the TLP chief.
Major cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar reportedly witnessed massive protests and were cut off from each other and the rest of the country. Activists even blocked highways, motorways and train tracks. There were several reports if violence as TLP protesters clashed with Police at many places.