Authorities have launched a money-laundering investigation into Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Rizvi after large amounts of foreign currency and gold were reportedly recovered during a raid at his residence. Officials say the scope of inquiry now includes his bank accounts, assets, and funding networks.
Key Seizures: Currency, Gold, Jewellery
Law enforcement agencies raided Rizvi’s Lahore home in cooperation with provincial police, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The operation revealed vast accumulations of foreign currency, gold, silver, and high-end jewelry.
Items confiscated reportedly include:
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1.92 kg of gold
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898 g of silver
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69 branded watches
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28 gold bangles (445 g)
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12 bracelets (490 g)
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24 necklaces, chains, lockets
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46 gold rings (355 g)
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One silver crown and 32 silver rings
Authorities say the total cash discovered amounted to Rs 110 million, which included 50,000 Indian rupees.
Enlarged Investigation: Assets, Bank Accounts, Funding
Because Rizvi did not reportedly run a business prior to forming the political-religious movement, investigators were surprised to find such wealth. The probe now targets his personal, family, and organizational finances.
Authorities are examining bank records, movable and immovable assets, and financial flows tied to TLP. The FIA has already frozen several accounts suspected of being used to fund protests. Key figures associated with TLP funding are being placed on stop lists.
FIRs, Charges, and Violence Allegations
In Punjab, more than 20 FIRs have been filed against Saad Rizvi and TLP leaders. Charges range from terrorism and murder to incitement and anti-state speech.
One FIR accuses Rizvi of ordering violence against law enforcement, including the alleged shooting of an inspector who later died of wounds. Others allege that TLP mobs attacked police with weapons and obstructed public order by blocking roads and markets.
In various districts such as Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, and Gujrat, separate FIRs apply under anti-terror legislation and public safety statutes.
TLP Headquarters and Local Control
Investigators claim TLP bought multiple properties around its headquarters on Multan Road, turning nearby streets into strongholds. Loyal workers were accommodated in these houses to maintain security and control over the area.
Authorities allege that TLP runs an internal media and operations unit equipped with modern tools to counter police interventions and coordinate campaigns.
Calls for Independent Inquiry and Human Rights Concerns
Clerics including Mufti Muneeb have called for a judicial commission, led by a high court or Supreme Court judge, to investigate government actions. They demand accountability, especially around deaths during clashes and the handling of protest dispersals.
The Human Rights Commission has expressed concern about transparency, use of force, and civilian casualties. It insists security forces adhere to constitutional and international standards by using minimum necessary force during operations.
