LAHORE; The Punjab government announced on Thursday that it will recommend the federal government impose a ban on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), following an extraordinary high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to review the province’s law and order situation.
According to a statement from the CM Office, the meeting took “historic decisions” to ensure the writ of the state and the supremacy of law.
Although the official handout did not name the party, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed that the decisions were directed at the TLP.
Among the key decisions, the provincial government will recommend a federal ban on the party. TLP’s leadership will be placed on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, which includes individuals suspected of terrorism or sectarianism.
Those involved in hate speech, incitement, and other violations of law will face immediate arrest across Punjab.
Cases against party leaders and activists involved in the killings of police officers and damage to state property will be tried in anti-terrorism courts. All properties and assets of the party will be transferred to the Punjab Auqaf Department, while its posters, banners, and advertisements will be completely banned.
Additionally, all bank accounts will be frozen, and social media accounts spreading hate will be taken down. The government also pledged strict action against violations of the Loudspeaker Act.
The meeting also approved a series of measures targeting illegal Afghan residents in the province. These include bringing Afghan citizens into the tax net, creating a real-time database of undocumented residents, introducing a whistleblower system with confidentiality, and launching combing operations against illegal businesses and residents. Deportations will be carried out in line with federal policy.
Separately, the provincial government issued a one-month ultimatum for the surrender of illegal arms. Legal arms must be registered at police Khidmat Marakiz within a month, while arms vendors will face inspections and a halt on new licences.
Punishment for illegal arms possession has been increased to 14 years in prison and fines up to Rs2 million, with the offence made non-bailable.
These developments follow Monday’s large-scale pre-dawn operation to clear TLP’s protest camp in Muridke, which led to violent clashes, widespread chaos, and over 2,700 arrests. The TLP had launched a “Gaza solidarity” march towards Islamabad, aiming to protest outside the US Embassy.
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry stated that action against TLP will mirror the approach taken during the May 9, 2023 crackdown on PTI supporters. He linked the move to the party’s record of violent agitations, attacks on law enforcement, and vandalism of Christian and Ahmadiyya places of worship.
The federal government previously banned TLP in April 2021 under the ATA, on Punjab’s recommendation. The ban was lifted in November 2021 after a deal with the group. Temporary restrictions were reimposed in June 2023 during a long march but were later lifted under an agreement.
Meanwhile, Punjab has appointed special public prosecutors to handle TLP-related terrorism cases in Lahore and Sheikhupura. Advocate Supreme Court Rana Shakeel Ahmed Khan and Advocate High Court Chaudhry Khalid Rasheed will represent the state under Section 18 of the ATA to ensure efficient investigations and prosecution in trial and appellate courts.
