Eleven police personnel of Pakistan’s Punjab Police were released on Monday by the Tahreek-e-Labbaik (TLP), a radical Islamist Party. The policemen were taken hostage on Sunday by supporters of the group in Lahore. 

The release came following the Punjab government starting negotiations with the group. "Talks have started with the TLP. The first round went well and the second round will take place after sehri,” Sheikh Rashid, the Interior Minister of Pakistan, was quoted as saying by Dawn.

 "They have released 11 policemen who were made hostages and have gone into the Rehmatul Lil Alameen Mosque [Yateem Khana Chowk]. The police have also stepped back," he added. 

Earlier on Sunday Lahore Police released a statement saying four of its policemen, including a DSP rank officer, were taken hostage by the workers of the TLP. Police also alleged that the DSP was “brutally tortured” by them. On the other hand, the group alleged that the policemen launched an operation against a nearby mosque - a claim denied by Pakistan Police. 

Earlier this week, the government had banned the TLP as a terrorist entity following large-scale violent protests across Pakistan. The negotiations are still going on and the Punjab government is holding talks with them. 

The release of the group’s chief, Saad Rizvi, and the removal of the ban are among the top demands of the TLP. 

“We hope that the second meeting after sehri will also prove fruitful and matters will be resolved amicably with the TLP," the interior minister said. The situation in Lahore remained tense throughout the day. And, the government has already deployed additional forces in the city and other important cities.

Meanwhile, Islamist groups and political parties in the country have called for a nationwide strike against the group. They have been demanding the removal of the ban placed on the TLP, and the release of all its workers.