LAHORE — The Punjab government has decided to recommend a ban on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to the federal government following violent protests in Muridke, Pakistan. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where the provincial leadership termed the measures “extraordinary” to restore the writ of the state and uphold the rule of law.
The government announced a series of actions to curb the party’s activities. TLP’s leadership will be placed under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which lists individuals involved in terrorism or sectarian violence. Immediate arrests will be carried out against those engaged in hate speech, incitement, or any violation of the law. Cases involving the killing of police personnel and damage to state property will be referred to Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs).
The party’s assets and properties will be handed over to the Auqaf Department, while all posters, banners, and advertisements will be banned. TLP’s bank accounts will be frozen, and social media platforms spreading hate speech will be taken down. Authorities will also strictly enforce violations of the Loudspeaker Act.
The decision came after a large-scale pre-dawn operation to dismantle TLP’s protest camp in Muridke, which had been set up for a “Gaza solidarity” march towards Islamabad. Violent clashes broke out during the operation, leading to widespread arrests. Over 2,700 individuals have been detained across Punjab, and around 2,800 people have been placed on the no-fly list in connection with the unrest.
If the federal government approves the ban, TLP’s activities will be restricted under ATA provisions, with legal consequences for its leadership and supporters. This marks one of the strongest crackdowns by the provincial government in recent years aimed at curbing the party’s influence and preventing further disorder.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.