LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested Syed Inayatul Haq Shah, described as the North Punjab emir of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in connection with an alleged terror financing case linked to the group’s march in October 2025.
The FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) arrested Shah in Rawalpindi after tracing his location. A court has reportedly granted the agency nine days of physical remand to facilitate further investigation.
According to an FIA official, Shah was among eight key alleged financiers of the banned organisation arrested by joint teams operating in Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Investigators have reportedly identified around 1,800 suspected bank accounts that were allegedly used by Shah, members of his family and other individuals to channel funds towards the organisation.
The investigation focuses on financial transactions made around the period of the TLP protest and march in October 2025. Investigators said Shah and his alleged associates withdrew Rs13.4 million in cash from an account linked to a madrassah on October 13 and 14, when the march was moving from Lahore towards Muridke.
The FIA is examining whether the large cash withdrawals during the protest period were connected to the financing of the alleged violent mobilisation.
Officials said the agency conducted financial profiling and counter-terrorism financing analysis involving TLP leadership, alleged financiers, associates and other individuals linked to the organisation. Particular attention was given to transactions that coincided with the protest and the Muridke incident.
The case record covers financial activity between October 9 and 15, 2025. Investigators also examined personal and institutional accounts associated with Inayatul Haq Shah, also known as Sultanpuri, and his father, Syed Ziaul Haq Shah.
According to investigators, substantial financial activity was detected through personal accounts as well as accounts associated with religious institutions and madrassahs before and during the period of the protests.
The FIA said Shah and his father were repeatedly asked to appear before investigators and explain the source, purpose, authorisation and use of the Rs13.4 million in cash withdrawals and other financial transactions. Officials alleged that the two did not appear before the investigation team.
The latest arrest forms part of the FIA’s broader investigation into the financial networks allegedly connected with the TLP and the events surrounding its October 2025 march.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings, and the arrest does not by itself establish guilt. Further findings are expected as the FIA continues examining financial records and other evidence.
