LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched an extensive operation to curb the growing influence of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after violent clashes in Muridke and increasing fears of further unrest. The move marks one of the most assertive state responses against the group, long accused of exploiting religious sentiments and resorting to street violence to press its agenda.
According to officials, the provincial administration has decided to “neutralise” TLP’s operational network, holding its leaders accountable for years of alleged lawlessness, hate-driven campaigns, and attacks on minorities. Law enforcement agencies have so far registered 72 cases across Punjab, with 39 of them in Lahore alone, and have detained more than 2,700 party members, including senior and mid-level operatives.
Sources reveal that police have zeroed in on TLP’s top brass, arresting key leaders from Lahore and Sheikhupura. The whereabouts of the group’s chief, Saad Rizvi, remain uncertain — officials claim he managed to evade a raid but may soon be apprehended as authorities close in on his trail. In southern Punjab, senior activists Majeed Gill and Tariq Birmani are being investigated for alleged money laundering after large sums of cash were recovered during police raids.
A senior police officer told PakTribune that the government intends to confine TLP strictly to political activity and prevent it from weaponising religion to threaten public safety. “This time, the state must act decisively — it’s no longer about protests but about law and order,” the officer remarked.
Operations have been intensified in multiple districts, including Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Vehari, and Burewala, where dozens of arrests have been made under anti-terrorism and rioting charges. Police have also moved to dismantle TLP’s local fundraising networks and media wings suspected of fuelling hate campaigns online.
While human rights observers caution against potential overreach, the Punjab government insists that its actions are necessary to restore peace and prevent extremist narratives from regaining street power.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.