ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior issued a notification today regarding a ban on the TLP _ Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, on Friday under the Anti-Terrorist Act (ATA). According to the notification, authorities have reasonable grounds to believe the organisation remains linked to terrorism. The ministry circulated the notice to TLP leadership and relevant federal and provincial authorities. Punjab government recommended a ban on the TLP in the wake of recent bloody clashes with police.
Deadly Demonstrations Trigger Ban Proposal
Earlier this month, TLP activists staged fierce demonstrations after police dismantled a protest camp in Muridke. Violent clashes killed a police station house officer and three others. The protests left several people injured in different districts. The federal cabinet approved the ban on Thursday during a high-level meeting. Senior Punjab officials joined the meeting through a video link. The Ministry of Interior presented the summary and recommended immediate action.
Previous Ban Lifted After Commitments
The meeting noted that TLP faced a similar ban in 2021. The then government removed the restriction after six months. The group pledged to avoid violence and disruption during future protests. Officials now argue that the organisation violated its earlier commitments. They claim that the recent unrest showed continued threats to public safety and order.
Legal Path Forward
Authorities will file a reference in the Supreme Court under Article 17 of the Constitution. The interior ministry is preparing the case with the Ministry of Law and the Attorney General. The government must submit the reference within fifteen days. The Supreme Court will decide whether the ban stands.
Leadership Evading Arrest
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said senior TLP leaders are hiding outside the province. She assured viewers on Geo Pakistan that law enforcement agencies will arrest them soon. She added that authorities are pursuing the group’s network across different regions.
