The Punjab government warned that individuals financing or supporting Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) will face terrorism charges. Minister Azma Bokhari announced that authorities identified 3,800 TLP financiers and blocked their funding sources. She confirmed that legal action under anti-terrorism laws will begin soon.
Punjab Seeks Federal Ban on TLP
Azma Bokhari said the Punjab cabinet has sent a summary to the federal government to proscribe the TLP. She expressed confidence that the ban would be enforced within days. Bokhari condemned the justification of riots in the name of Islam and Palestine, calling it a distortion of religious values.
Government Exposes TLP Propaganda and Financial Misdeeds
The minister rejected rumours about relocating TLP founder Khadim Rizvi’s grave, calling them false propaganda. She warned against using religious sites for donations or violence. Bokhari revealed that officials recovered 1.92 kilograms of gold, 898 grams of silver, 68 rare watches, and other valuables from Saad Rizvi’s house. She alleged that Rizvi bought properties under fake names and created no-go zones.
State Takes Control of TLP Mosques and Seminaries
Bokhari said the government placed TLP-linked mosques and seminaries under the Auqaf Department. She clarified the move targets extremist ideology, not any sect. Authorities have taken control of 130 mosques and geo-tagged 223 seminaries.
Parents and Students Warned Against TLP Involvement
Bokhari urged parents to stop their children from joining TLP activities. She warned that terrorism charges could apply to involved students. Those taking part in violent acts will face legal action. She confirmed that Saad Rizvi and his brother Anas are being traced, while 95 of Rizvi’s bank accounts have been frozen.
Interior Ministry Reviews Punjab’s Request
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the federal government is reviewing Punjab’s request to ban TLP. He confirmed that due diligence is underway before the final decision. Chaudhry questioned TLP’s motives, noting its protests claimed to support Palestine but had unrelated demands.
TLP Accused of Double Standards
Chaudhry accused TLP of hypocrisy for earning interest on donations while preaching against the banking system. He revealed that 100 bank accounts linked to the party have been traced. Authorities also recovered 69 foreign watches from Saad Rizvi’s residence, despite the group’s call to boycott foreign products.
Government Adopts Firm Stance Against Extremism
Chaudhry asserted that extremist politics will not be tolerated in Pakistan. He said all state institutions support the decision to stop radical ideologies.
Defence Minister Calls for ‘Hard State’ Approach
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan must act as a “hard state” to curb extremism. He stressed that violence in the name of religion is unacceptable. Asif added that the state will now operate strictly under the law and Constitution.
