TLP chief Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi addresses rally in Karachi on Feb 4. — Screengrab
TLP chief Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi addresses rally in Karachi on Feb 4. — Screengrab

The leader of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has vowed a comeback after its vote share evaporated in Feb 8 general elections, AFP reports.

Saad Hussain Rizvi’s TLP party rode the issue to emerge the largest Islamist force in 2018 polls, but its prominence was all but eroded in last week’s national and provincial elections.

Analysts say the death of Rizvi’s charismatic father Khadim Hussain Rizvi, who founded the party, and a loss of patronage from Pakistan’s powerful generals cost them dearly.

Speaking to supporters in Lahore on Saturday, Rizvi said the enemies of Islam had stopped his party.

“This rigging has taken place because we speak about rights, and we talk about a faith that those with power in this world do not accept,” he told AFP.

When asked if he could fill his father Khadim Rizvi’s shoes, he responded matter-of-factly. “Bringing people onto the streets, and bringing people out to vote was not a problem for TLP in the past and it is not a problem now.”

“Khadim Rizvi had the kind of leadership and charisma that his son does not have,” Arafat Mazhar, who works on blasphemy law reform, told AFP.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...