The federal cabinet has approved a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act, following a formal request from the Punjab government after the group’s recent violent protests.
The decision was made during a cabinet session chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which discussed the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab caused by the demonstrations.
The Punjab government’s plea came after TLP protests in Muridke turned violent earlier this month. Clashes erupted when police removed the group’s protest camp, leading to the death of a station house officer (SHO), three others—including a passerby—and injuries to dozens more. The unrest disrupted traffic and commercial activity in several areas, prompting authorities to take decisive action.
Following the cabinet’s approval, directives were issued to the Ministry of Interior to complete the legal formalities for implementing the ban.
Sources said the case will now be referred to the Ministry of Law and Justice, which is expected to file a reference with the Supreme Court within 15 days, as required under the law.
Once the Supreme Court endorses the federal government’s decision, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will formally denotify the TLP as a political party, effectively barring it from participating in elections and other political activities.
Officials stated that the government’s move aims to curb extremist tendencies and restore peace in Punjab, which has witnessed repeated episodes of TLP-led agitation in recent years.
Senior cabinet members emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, no group will be allowed to endanger public safety or disrupt national stability under the pretext of political or religious demands.
