By Asif Naveed
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is facing uncertainty over implementing a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), despite the group being declared proscribed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), sources said on Sunday.
According to official sources, the TLP was banned under the ATA due to its involvement in violent protests and public disorder. However, despite this legal action, the group continues to be listed among registered political parties with the ECP.
Legal experts and ECP officials noted that a political party’s status can only be terminated through a constitutional process under Article 17, which requires a reference to be submitted to the Commission. Similarly, Section 212 of the Election Act authorizes the ECP to send a reference to the government regarding a party’s political status.
ECP sources clarified that the ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act does not automatically dissolve TLP’s political identity. “The TLP remains a registered political party with the Election Commission and, under current laws, is eligible to contest elections,” the sources said.
The Commission is now considering seeking guidance from the Ministry of Law and the Attorney General’s Office to determine the legal and constitutional steps necessary to impose a complete political ban on the TLP.
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, founded by late cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, rose to prominence in 2017 after staging massive protests in Islamabad over blasphemy-related issues.
The group was banned by the federal government in April 2021 following days of violent demonstrations that resulted in casualties and widespread property damage. Despite the ban, TLP has continued to operate politically, fielding candidates in national and provincial elections and maintaining a significant street presence.
