Federal Cabinet’s Decision on TLP Welcomed by Analysts

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet’s decree to outlaw Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has garnered approval from political analysts and journalists, who describe it as a crucial, albeit overdue, measure to reinstate order and stability.

Speaking on the matter, experts have encouraged the government to guarantee the action’s legal soundness and consistent application.

Expert Opinions

Political analyst Ahmed Bilal Mehboob stated that the government’s decision to proscribe the TLP was legally defensible, particularly in light of the recent surge of aggressive demonstrations.

“This party has a history of participating in similar acts of aggression. The TLP faced a ban previously in 2021, and considering the latest events, the government’s rationale appears valid,” he commented.

However, he mentioned that the ultimate verdict would come from the courts. “The judiciary will ultimately render the final judgment as the matter will be contested in court,” he added.

Anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada described the ban as a “significant decision,” pointing out that the state had consistently yielded to the group since 2017, regardless of its history of violence.

“Despite the repeated instances of police officers being killed and wounded during TLP demonstrations, the state opted for agreements instead of taking firm action,” he stated.

He further suggested that the government should now advance a “thorough strategy” to prevent any group from promoting animosity or attacking civilians, police personnel, or religious minorities. “The state must make sure that those who fund and support such entities are held responsible,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, anchorperson Shahzad Iqbal contended that the only viable solution involved the consistent enforcement of the law and the Constitution.

“Since the TLP’s establishment, we have witnessed frequent breaches of the law without significant repercussions. Despite the loss of life and property, successive governments have continued to enter into agreements with them,” he noted.

Iqbal concluded that if the government’s current course of action aligns with the law, it should be implemented decisively. “The Supreme Court will review the matter, and if the court approves it, the ban will be formally implemented,” he remarked.