ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved a ban on the far-right religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following a recommendation from the Punjab government.
The Federal Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, unanimously approved the banning of TLP under the Anti-Terrorism Act, according to a PM House statement on Thursday.
The Interior Ministry presented a detailed report on TLP’s activities and later received formal instructions to proceed with the necessary legal steps.
TLP, a group following the Barelvi school of Sunni Islam, was formed in 2015 by Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the wheelchair-bound father of the current leader.
Senior officers of the Punjab government attended the cabinet meeting via video link.
The meeting was briefed on the violent activities of the banned organisation. The meeting was informed that due to the organisation, incidents of violence have occurred in different parts of the country.
In 2021, the then government banned the TLP, which was lifted after 6 months on the condition that no further unrest or violence would be carried out in the country.
Also Read: Punjab Bans TLP, Sends Summary to Federal Government for Approval
In the past, several security personnel and innocent passersby were killed in violent protest meetings and rallies of the TLP.
The federal cabinet, after a briefing given at the meeting and the recommendation of the Punjab government, unanimously concluded that the TLP is involved in terrorism and violent acts.
Punjab proposes ban on TLP
Last week, the Punjab government recommended to the federal authorities that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) be completely banned.
This move comes after the forceful dispersal of the TLP’s Gaza March on October 13 in Muridke city of Punjab.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, it was decided that TLP leaders and activists involved in the violence leading to the deaths of police officers and destruction of public property will be prosecuted in anti-terrorism courts (ATCs).
According to Punjab Police, the crackdown in Muridke turned violent as TLP protesters clashed with law enforcement, resulting in the death of one station house officer (SHO).
Around 48 police and Rangers personnel were injured, including 17 who were wounded by gunfire. Additionally, three TLP activists and one passerby lost their lives, while at least 30 civilians sustained injuries.
The TLP had planned a march to Islamabad to protest outside the US Embassy in solidarity with Palestinians. The protest escalated when demonstrators set fire to numerous vehicles during confrontations with the police.
