ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday said that the option to hold negotiations with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), protesting over the detention of its leader, was still on the table, however, no one would be allowed to challenge the writ of the state.

Addressing media in Islamabad following the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan in chair discussing the latest security situation amid the protest, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid confirmed that police would work under Rangers as per Article-147 in Punjab.

He said that his ministry took the decision yesterday after four policemen were martyred in clashes with TLP workers, while more than 80 were injured, eight of them critically.

“The writ of the state would be established in any case but we did not close negotiations door with the TLP yet,” he added.

“We are trying to settle the issue amicably and it is a possibility that Minister of Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri and I will hold talks with the TLP again in the evening today,” announced Rashid.

#Live:Interior Minister @ShkhRasheed addressing a news conference regarding NSC meeting in #Islamabad https://t.co/NnmQxuHUlS

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 29, 2021

“We will inform the media about the outcome of the meeting.”

Rashid said the government was standing by its position and the ball was now in the TLP’s court.

“The government is abiding by the agreement reached with the outlawed TLP, but we are still waiting that it will reopen GT Road and return to its centre as per the agreement,” the minister added.

Rashid also revealed that Prime Minister Imran Khan would address the nation in a day or two over the TLP issue.

“He [PM Imran ] will present the entire situation before the nation, and his speech will explain the narrative of the government,” stressed Rashid during the press conference.

“We have to protect the lives and property of the people” as the security situation in Punjab was deteriorating.

Earlier today, the NSC meeting continued for two hours. The top civil and military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Air and Naval chiefs and intelligence chiefs attended the meeting.

Besides Rashid federal ministers Pervez Khattak, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Fawad Chaudhry were also in the meeting.