Govt-TLP talks could not resume despite hint from Rasheed

Analysts say the blockade of food supplies to cities between Lahore and Islamabad could lead to a new human tragedy.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed had hinted at a press conference yesterday that the government team would resume talks with the banned TLP.

Addressing a press conference, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed had said, “I and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri will hold talks with the banned TLP in the evening.”

Also Read:

Sheikh Rasheed hints at resuming talks with banned outfit

Fear of fuel shortage as petroleum dealers threaten countrywide strike

The day had gone but the round of talks could not start.
To stop the march of the banned TLP towards Islamabad, the government closed all major and minor cities between Lahore and Islamabad.

Jhelum, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Sialkot, Kharian, Gujrat, Dina, Sohawa, Rawat, Gujjar Khan, Rawalpindi and many other cities have been closed by placing containers and digging trenches, which has completely halted the delivery of food items.

There is a shortage of food items at big stores and shops.
Trucks loaded with vegetables, fruits and other edible items heading to the cities were stuck on the roads due to digging of trenches and placing containers, causing vegetables and fruits to rot.

Millions of rupees worth of goods of traders are being wasted.
The supply of oil and gas to fuel stations has been cut off due to which petrol pumps and gas filling stations have been closed in many cities. Citizens are finding it extremely difficult to travel even within the city.

All the above cities are linked up with GT Road and Motorway while all types of supplies have been stopped due to blockage of GT Road.

Analysts say that the common man is being affected the most in this situation, as he is not getting food items for his household rations and if he is getting them, he is getting at expensive prices. Profiteers have also entered the field.

Experts say the government should negotiate with the banned TLP as soon as possible to find a lasting solution to the problem. The prevailing situation is moving towards a new human tragedy.

It should be noted that Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed had said that talks were underway with the banned TLP chief Saad Rizvi. If negotiations are ongoing, the outcome must be made public.