Punjab approves ban on TLP over protest violence Azad News HD
Punjab Cabinet Formally Bans Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) After Violent Protests Over Gaza Conflict
The Punjab Cabinet has officially approved a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a far-right religious political organization known for its aggressive street protests and hardline stance on religious issues. The decision came after a series of violent demonstrations organized by the group in various cities across the province, particularly in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan, under the pretext of expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The decision was made during a special cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where senior provincial ministers, law enforcement officials, and the Advocate General of Punjab participated. The cabinet unanimously endorsed the proposal to outlaw TLP, citing threats to public safety, damage to national property, and the group’s repeated defiance of state authority.
The meeting’s agenda emphasized that while Pakistan has historically stood with Palestine in its struggle against Israeli aggression, the use of religion as a pretext for violent extremism could not be tolerated. The Chief Minister stated that the government “will not allow any group to exploit international conflicts to destabilize peace within Pakistan.”
Background: From Religious Activism to Violent Mobilization
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, formed in 2015 under the leadership of Khadim Hussain Rizvi, rose to prominence through its fiery rhetoric defending Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and orchestrating massive sit-ins in Islamabad and Lahore. Initially positioned as a religious movement advocating respect for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the group gradually evolved into a powerful street force capable of paralyzing national life through orchestrated protests.
After Khadim Rizvi’s death in 2020, the group was taken over by his son, Saad Hussain Rizvi, who maintained the same militant tone and aggressive political tactics. The organization has since staged multiple violent demonstrations, blocking highways, attacking police, and damaging public property, all while claiming to defend religious sentiments.
This recent wave of protests, however, was not directed at domestic issues but was linked to Pakistan’s diplomatic stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The TLP accused the government of “failing to take a stronger position” against Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, using religious sentiment to mobilize crowds in its favor. The protests quickly spiraled out of control, leading to violent clashes with law enforcement agencies.
The Violent Protests That Triggered the Ban
According to official reports, TLP activists organized nationwide demonstrations demanding the government sever diplomatic ties with Western nations supporting Israel. In Punjab, the protests turned violent within hours, with rioters torching vehicles, attacking police contingents, and blocking key highways including the Grand Trunk (GT) Road and Lahore Ring Road.
In Lahore, the situation escalated when TLP workers clashed with anti-riot police near Shahdara and Data Darbar, resulting in several injuries on both sides. The Punjab Police reported that over 200 officers were injured while trying to contain the mobs. Several police vehicles were set on fire, and government offices were vandalized.
The provincial administration, after reviewing intelligence reports from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Special Branch, concluded that the protests were not spontaneous expressions of public emotion but rather pre-planned acts of violence aimed at creating chaos and challenging state authority.
Legal Framework Behind the Ban
The Punjab government invoked Section 11-B of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, which empowers the state to declare any organization a proscribed group if it engages in terrorism, incites hatred, or promotes violent extremism. The cabinet’s decision will now be formally notified through the Punjab Home Department, followed by an endorsement from the federal interior ministry to ensure uniform enforcement across provinces.
According to official sources, the Punjab Home Secretary has already sent the summary to the federal government for inclusion of TLP in the national list of proscribed organizations maintained by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Once the notification is published, all organizational activities, funding channels, and media coverage related to TLP will be suspended under law.
The government also plans to freeze the group’s bank accounts, shut down its offices, and block digital propaganda networks used for mobilization. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to conduct targeted operations against key TLP leaders involved in inciting violence during the recent protests.
Statements from the Punjab Government
During the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the state’s patience has limits, and no group, regardless of its religious affiliation, would be allowed to challenge the writ of the government. She highlighted that while Pakistan’s support for Palestine is unwavering, internal peace cannot be compromised in the name of religion or politics.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, while addressing a press conference following the meeting, stated that “the ban on TLP was a constitutional necessity, not a political decision.” She clarified that the move was not directed against any religious ideology but was purely based on the group’s violent conduct and repeated law violations.
The Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs further explained that the government had tried multiple times to engage with TLP leadership for peaceful dialogue, but the group consistently resorted to threats, street violence, and hate speeches that endangered the lives of citizens and damaged public property.
Law Enforcement Response and Arrests
Following the decision, a massive crackdown was launched across Punjab to apprehend TLP leaders and activists involved in organizing and participating in violent protests. Intelligence-based operations were carried out in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
According to reports, over 1,200 activists were detained, including local TLP organizers and regional leaders who played a role in inciting crowds. The Punjab Police also recovered weapons, batons, and propaganda material from TLP offices, confirming the group’s preparedness for confrontation.
The Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) commended the bravery of officers who faced violent mobs during the protests and reaffirmed that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found involved in attacking police personnel or public property. The IGP also directed district police officers to remain on high alert to prevent any retaliatory protests.
Federal Government’s Endorsement
The federal government has backed Punjab’s decision, with the Interior Ministry signaling full support for the ban. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the federation will ensure nationwide enforcement to prevent TLP’s reorganization under new names or banners.
He noted that Pakistan cannot afford religious vigilantism when it faces multiple internal and external challenges, including security threats and economic instability. The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s stance that freedom of religion does not justify violence, and no group can hold the state hostage through intimidation.
The decision also received tacit approval from the military establishment, which has repeatedly warned against internal actors exploiting religious issues to promote anarchy. Security agencies have been instructed to remain vigilant against any regrouping attempts by banned outfits.
Impact on Law and Order in Punjab
The ban has had immediate effects on law and order across Punjab. In cities where TLP had a strong street presence, such as Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi, police contingents were deployed around key intersections and mosques to prevent any unauthorized gatherings.
Despite some initial tensions, the situation largely remained under control, with authorities managing to prevent major disruptions. The government credited swift intelligence coordination and preemptive action for maintaining peace in urban centers.
In rural areas, the administration has initiated a monitoring program to track religious sermons and local gatherings that could potentially reignite violent rhetoric. District peace committees have been activated to promote community harmony and prevent extremist propaganda from spreading.
Human Rights and Political Reactions
The government’s move has sparked diverse reactions across political and civil society circles. Some parties have welcomed the ban as a long-overdue measure to curb religious extremism, while others have warned of potential backlash if the decision is not implemented cautiously.
Mainstream political parties including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have defended the move, emphasizing that the state’s writ must be upheld at all costs. However, smaller religious parties expressed concerns that banning political groups could set a precedent for restricting religious freedom.
Human rights organizations, while condemning violence, have urged the government to ensure that lawful dissent and peaceful assembly remain protected. They stressed the need for deradicalization programs and social reintegration for those influenced by extremist ideologies.
Economic and Diplomatic Context
The decision to ban TLP also carries economic and diplomatic significance. Pakistan, already struggling with international image issues due to past instances of religious extremism, aims to project a message of zero tolerance for violent movements. The move aligns with the government’s broader policy of presenting Pakistan as a peace-loving, progressive nation committed to global human rights norms.
International observers, including diplomats from the European Union and Middle Eastern nations, have taken note of the decision. Analysts suggest that maintaining internal stability is crucial for Pakistan’s economic recovery, particularly as it seeks foreign investment, IMF cooperation, and regional partnerships.
Economically, the frequent protests organized by TLP in the past have caused millions in losses due to highway blockades, business closures, and supply chain disruptions. The government hopes that eliminating such disruptions will enhance investor confidence and restore economic continuity.
The Role of Religious Leadership and Public Sentiment
The government’s decision has prompted religious scholars and clerics to take a firm stance against the misuse of religion for political violence. Prominent ulema from various schools of thought have urged followers to avoid confrontation with the state and maintain discipline in expressing religious solidarity.
The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) also endorsed the government’s view that no group can take the law into its own hands in the name of religion. CII members stated that true Islamic teachings emphasize peace, respect, and adherence to lawful conduct.
Public opinion remains divided. While a majority supports the government’s firmness in ensuring peace, a section of the population influenced by TLP’s narrative continues to sympathize with the group’s religious rhetoric. Authorities have therefore prioritized public awareness campaigns to clarify the difference between peaceful advocacy and violent extremism.
Media Coverage and Information Control
The government has directed all television channels and digital platforms to refrain from giving airtime to TLP leaders or broadcasting their statements. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued an advisory emphasizing responsible reporting to prevent hate speech or incitement.
Social media monitoring units have been activated to trace and block online accounts spreading extremist propaganda or organizing protests. Several accounts linked to TLP’s digital network have already been suspended under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
This information management strategy is designed to deny extremist groups the publicity and amplification they rely upon for mobilization. The move also reflects the state’s growing awareness of the digital dimension of modern radicalization.
Long-Term Implications and Counter-Extremism Strategy
The ban on TLP forms part of Pakistan’s broader National Action Plan (NAP) against extremism and terrorism. Over the years, Pakistan has proscribed multiple organizations engaged in sectarian or militant activities, but few have been effectively neutralized due to weak enforcement or political compromise.
This time, officials claim, the government intends to ensure comprehensive enforcement. A special task force comprising representatives from the Home Department, CTD, and law enforcement agencies has been established to oversee the dismantling of TLP’s networks and monitor any attempts to reorganize under new identities.
Simultaneously, the Punjab government plans to strengthen deradicalization programs and promote religious moderation through education, community outreach, and engagement with religious scholars. The aim is not only to punish extremism but to prevent its re-emergence through social and ideological rehabilitation.
Historical Pattern of Bans and Re-emergence
Pakistan has a long history of banning extremist organizations that later re-emerge under new names. Past examples include groups such as Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, and Jaish-e-Muhammad, which resurfaced under different titles after official proscription.
Analysts warn that banning TLP is only the first step; sustained vigilance is essential to ensure that its organizational infrastructure, funding sources, and recruitment networks are permanently dismantled. The government has reportedly identified financial backers and social media coordinators associated with the group, who will face prosecution under anti-terrorism laws.
Regional Security and International Perception
The TLP’s activities have long been a concern for Pakistan’s security institutions. Its ability to mobilize large crowds within hours has posed a consistent challenge to public order. The group’s anti-Western and anti-government rhetoric also risks undermining Pakistan’s diplomatic relationships and international commitments.
By imposing the ban, Punjab and the federal government aim to demonstrate a firm commitment to law and order, reassuring both domestic citizens and international partners that extremism will no longer be tolerated under any guise.
Regional security analysts believe that controlling religiously motivated groups is essential for maintaining internal harmony and safeguarding Pakistan’s global reputation as a responsible state committed to counterterrorism efforts.
Future Outlook: Ensuring Stability and Reform
The ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan represents a defining moment in Punjab’s internal security strategy. The government’s next challenge lies in sustaining peace without triggering new waves of unrest. Success will depend on the ability to combine firm law enforcement with strategic communication, ensuring that citizens understand the rationale behind the decision.
The administration’s ongoing engagement with religious scholars, civil society, and media organizations indicates a holistic approach to governance that seeks to balance religious freedom with national security.
Officials have reiterated that while peaceful expression remains a constitutional right, violence in the name of religion will face zero tolerance. The government’s stance sends a clear message — the state, not street power, determines law and policy in Pakistan.
Conclusion: A Defining Step Against Religious Extremism
The Punjab Cabinet’s decision to ban Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan marks a pivotal shift in Pakistan’s approach to religious militancy and political radicalization. By taking decisive action after years of recurring unrest, the government has drawn a firm line between legitimate religious expression and violent extremism.
The move symbolizes a growing consensus within Pakistan’s political and security establishment that internal peace cannot coexist with groups that weaponize faith to disrupt national life. The ban is both a test of the state’s resolve and a signal to the international community that Pakistan is determined to uphold rule of law, promote tolerance, and ensure lasting stability.
In a nation where religion has often been manipulated for political ends, this action reflects the government’s recognition that true faith and national progress are incompatible with violence and chaos. The path ahead may be challenging, but with consistent enforcement, transparent communication, and social reform, Pakistan can transform this moment into a milestone toward peace, progress, and responsible governance.
