Federal Government Prohibits Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan

Following a proposal from the Punjab government, the federal cabinet has sanctioned a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The decision comes in response to intense demonstrations in Punjab, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries.

The action was prompted by a string of aggressive protests initiated by the TLP earlier this month. These protests ignited after police dismantled a protest encampment in Muridke, which escalated into clashes that caused the demise of a police station house officer (SHO) along with three other individuals, including a bystander.

According to the official declaration, during a session today presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federal cabinet collectively endorsed designating the TLP as a banned entity under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The summary was put forward by the Ministry of Interior, acting on a request from the Punjab government. High-ranking officials from Punjab also participated in the session via video conferencing.

Cabinet members were briefed on the TLP’s involvement in violent and terrorist activities, as well as its role in instigating widespread unrest throughout the nation since its inception in 2016.

The assembly was informed that the party’s actions had contributed to episodes of disorder and turmoil in diverse regions of the country.

Additionally, it was noted that the previous administration had also enforced a ban on the TLP in 2021, which was revoked six months later, contingent upon the organization’s commitment to abstain from violent or disruptive conduct.

The recent prohibition was enacted in response to the group’s violation of these assurances.

The briefing also referenced previous instances of violent protests, gatherings, and rallies orchestrated by the TLP that led to the loss of lives of both security personnel and innocent civilians.

After examining the briefing and the Punjab government’s suggestions, the federal cabinet unanimously concluded that the TLP is implicated in acts of terrorism and aggression.

The cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Interior to finalize the legal procedures necessary for implementing the ban.

Reliable sources indicate that the matter concerning the ban on the TLP will be directed to the Ministry of Law and Justice. This ministry will then formally submit a reference to the Supreme Court within 15 days of the cabinet’s approval to comply with legal requirements.

Sources added that the TLP will be delisted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) once the highest court ratifies the federal government’s reference.