The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following a detailed briefing from the Ministry of Interior on the group’s alleged involvement in violent and anti-state activities.
According to government sources, the decision was made after the Punjab government formally recommended that the federal government proscribe TLP under relevant anti-terror and public order laws.
Interior Ministry briefs cabinet on Punjab’s summary
During the meeting held in Islamabad, the Interior Ministry presented a comprehensive report to cabinet members, outlining the Punjab government’s summary and the charges against TLP.
Officials said the group has been accused of spreading chaos, challenging the writ of the state, and inciting violent protests that have led to arson, vandalism, and the destruction of public and private property.
The briefing further noted that multiple criminal cases had been registered against the organization and its activists, including charges of promoting sectarianism and firing on police personnel during recent demonstrations.
Why is TLP banned?
The Interior Ministry’s presentation emphasized that TLP’s actions have repeatedly disrupted law and order, endangering citizens and state institutions.
The group’s alleged attempts to instigate unrest and provoke sectarian tension were cited as key reasons behind the decision to impose the ban.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the recommendation to outlaw the group aims to preserve public safety, prevent further violence, and uphold the rule of law.
Cabinet’s approval and next steps
Following the briefing, the federal cabinet unanimously approved the ban, authorising the Interior Ministry to initiate the legal process for formally notifying the organization as a proscribed entity.
Sources confirmed that the ministry will now prepare a summary for publication in the official gazette, completing the procedural requirements for enforcement under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Also read: 78 TLP workers arrested in Havelian amid recent unrest
Once notified, TLP’s activities, offices, and assets will fall under government scrutiny, and law enforcement agencies will have the authority to seal premises, freeze accounts, and restrict the movement of its leaders and members.
Govt commitment to law and order
The prime minister, while chairing the session, reaffirmed the government’s stance that no group will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state or threaten the safety of citizens.
He directed all law enforcement agencies to enforce the decision firmly yet lawfully, ensuring peace and stability across the country.
On Oct 17, the Punjab cabinet had formally approved the ban on TLP and forwarded a recommendation to the federal government for final action.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari had, during a media talk in Lahore categorically rejected claims of hundreds of deaths during recent protests, calling the allegations “baseless propaganda”.
“It is not possible to hide the bodies. These claims were spread deliberately to mislead the public,” she said. The minister clarified that the move against TLP was not directed against any sect, mosque, or madrassa, but rather against those challenging the writ of the state.
“Those who raise batons, set fire to property, and disrupt peace cannot be considered sympathisers of the country,” she added.
