On Tuesday, the 13th of July 2021, TLP (Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan) signed an agreement with the Pakistani Government that enforced the group to end its three-day-long anti-France protests. The agreement was reached after the TLP called for the expulsion of the French ambassador, which led to violent protests across the country, causing several casualties.
The TLP is a religious-political party in Pakistan that was established in 2015, aiming to protect the honor of the Prophet Muhammad. The party gained prominence in 2018 when it protested against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman charged with blasphemy. The protests spread across the country and brought the country to a standstill for three days, leading to the resignation of the then-Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Zahid Hamid.
The TLP`s recent protests were sparked by the French government`s decision to display caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in the name of freedom of speech. The TLP sees this as an act of blasphemy and called for the expulsion of the French ambassador, a boycott of French products, and a nationwide protest.
According to the agreement signed between the TLP and the government, the government has agreed to present a resolution in the National Assembly to expel the French ambassador. The government has also agreed to release all TLP activists and supporters who were arrested during the protests. Furthermore, the government has agreed to ban all French products in Pakistan.
The TLP, in return, has agreed to end its protests and to ensure that the situation remains peaceful. The TLP has also agreed to submit a written apology for its actions during the protests.
The agreement has received mixed reactions from the people of Pakistan. Some see it as a victory for the TLP and a sign of weakness on the part of the government. Others are relieved that the protests have ended and that the government has taken a stand against the display of blasphemous content.
In conclusion, the agreement signed between the TLP and the Pakistani government is a step towards resolving the recent crisis and preventing further violence. However, it is essential to address the underlying issues of religious extremism and intolerance in the country to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. The government and civil society must work together to promote religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country.
