THE noted scholar and firebrand leader of Tehrik Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi has passed away after a short bout of fever. According to reports, he was suffering from fever during the last few days, which he apparently caught during a sit-in at Faizabad Interchange on 14-16 November in protest against blasphemous actions in France.
Political connotations of his protests notwithstanding, the fact remains Rizvi was an ardent supporter of ‘Namoos-e-Rasalat’ and successfully mobilized thousands of believers on the issue frequently. Though he had physical disability but always remained in the forefront whenever the need arose to raise voice against blasphemy. It was because of his latest but effective protest that the Government of Pakistan acceded to his demands about downgrading of relations with France. It is also rightly believed that he gave new colour to Barelvi school of thought, the religious scholars of which previously taught love, affection and brotherhood. Allama Tahir-ul-Qadri and Allama Khadim Rizvi had total command over their followers and that is why they succeeded in organizing crippling protests and sit-ins during tenures of different governments. It has rightly been remarked that his status as the flag bearer on the issues of blasphemy and Khatam-e-Nabuwat made him a leader for many, and a leader of considerable charm and charisma. It was mainly because of his popularity and ability to command the masses that the party also started taking part actively in politics and secured worthwhile votes during the 2018 general election. It has to be seen whether or not his party would shun the extreme course it adopted on some issues to become a force to be reckoned with in the political arena.
