The Teheek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP)’s sit-in at the Faizabad interchange neared a full week on Friday, as representatives of both the government and the party said talks were ongoing to resolve the impasse and end the protest that has triggered traffic snarls in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Since setting up camp at the main intersection between Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday, the TLP has demanded the government officially boycott Israeli products; send food and medical aid to Palestinians under siege in Gaza; and declare Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “terrorist.” The sit-in recalls the Faizabad dharna of 2017, which was declared a failure of the government by the Supreme Court, which had directed authorities to ensure similar situations do not reoccur. The TLP attempted another dharna in 2020, leading to nationwide unrest, before the situation was resolved through intervention of then-Army chief Gen. (retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Pakistan does not official recognize Israel and has, since the Gaza siege began last year, sent several aid consignments for Palestinians. Due to the lack of recognition, Pakistan has no Israeli products available in its markets, raising questions over what the ‘boycott’ sought by the TLP would actually accomplish. Islamabad has also protested against the ongoing Israeli aggression at multiple international fora and called for an end to the violence.
The TLP claims it has over 50,000 supporters camped at the Faizabad Interchange. Its leaders maintain they will not end the protest until all three of their demands are met. They have also attempted to dissuade the perception they are being utilized as a pressure group against the government, maintaining the current dharna has no political goals.
Much like the previous sit-ins orchestrated by the TLP, the current protest has seen blockades erected on routes leading into and out of the Faizabad Interchange. The large number of protesters have, additionally, blocked a section of the road, causing massive difficulties for commuters, with traffic jams lasting hours.
Amidst growing public outrage over the problems caused by the sit-in, the TLP has issued a statement claiming its representatives are in negotiations with the government to end their protest. Confirming this, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar—who is part of the government team negotiating an end to the sit-in—told media that efforts were underway to resolve the situation within this week. He stressed the government was avoiding the use of force to deter further chaos, adding provincial governments should have mobilized to prevent the protesters from ever gathering in the federal capital.