Thread by @umaraqti

Since this picture is always shared as proof of army involvement behind TLP 2017 Dharna, I think it's important to clarify it in a thread.

I will start my thread with this quote:
"If the facts are against you, argue the law. If the law is against you, argue the facts. If the..

https://twitter.com/Scrivenshaft_/status/1467802153825841152

..law and the facts are against you, pound the table and yell like hell."

This is happening when it comes to the 2017-TLP dharna and the accusation of the TLP-Army collusion, unfortunately making it an uncontested fact.

TLP didn't prop up in 2017..

..it became a full-fledged KeN movement on the eve of Qadri's funeral in 2016 as Rizvi an impressive provocateur took the mantle due to Barelvis leadership vacuum left after TuQ's exit.

There were strong KeN undercurrents in Barelvis due to Asia Bibi and Mumtaz Qadri case..

..the impetus was provided when Mumtaz Qadri was hanged in 2016 and since then there was no turning back.

Please note, during Rizvi led gathering post Mumtaz Qadri funeral..

..not only Rizvi and co used to criticize and abuse PMLN govt but also the Army and then COAS - Raheel Sharif.

The change in the Oath issue was the excuse TLP was looking for and it proved to be a watershed moment for TLP. However, to prevent TLP march towards Islamabad..

..SS govt in Punjab imposed section 144, but lo and behold nowhere in Punjab a serious attempt was made by the govt to stop the TLP march towards Faizabad.

Fast forwards, TLP blocked the main artery of Isb-Rwp, multiple negotiations with them failed..

..finally PMLN govt decided to take use force against them. Two botched attempts were made by the PMLN govt that worsened the situation as TLP protests which were limited to Faizabad spread across Pakistan.

In all this time, NS son-in-law and Maryam's husband -- Capt Safdar..

..continued to support TLP dharna and their demands.

At this time PMLN Govt requested Army to use force against the agitators to clear roads and important junction points. Army advised govt against the use of force because:
1/ Army is not trained and don't have a capacity..

..to control riots esp a fanatic charged mob-like TLP.
2/ Any use of force by the Army would have resulted in the blood bath that could further aggravate the precarious situation (as it happened after Laal Masjid Op).

After govt's approval negotiation started in which...

..army took the lead.

On 26th Nov, Govt appointed Maj Gen Azhar as DG Rangers Punjab to handle and clear the Dharna at Faizabad.

On 27th Nov, after the agreement between Dharna organizers & Govt. Maj Gen Azhar visited the dharna spot, met the leaders, and asked them to clear the Faizabad and adjoining areas.

During this interaction the Dharna organizers asked for their arrested workers..

..to be brought to them before they completely clear the Dharna setup.

When the arrested workers were brought to the Dharna loc they expressed that they don't have money to back home hence Maj Gen Azhar paid them to clear the location immediately. (Though a bad move for optics)

And till this day, distributing money is used as rhetorical proof that Army was behind TLP dharna.

A lazy conclusion that is devoid of any logic and facts.

So Ghmaidi sb who is portrayed as an unbiased researcher and scholar, how he can miss basic facts and ground realities.

Either he is oblivious of ground realities or he is reading and watching too much of Jang and the DAWN group.

(This is coming from an admirer of Ghamidi sb)

Those who are interested in the serious unbiased debate on TLP Dharna. Watch this debate held in LUMS in 2018.

The panel was pretty loaded, worth your time.

youtube.com/playlist?list=…