How TLP’s anti-Israel march turned into violent clashes between the religious political party and the Punjab government
Police officers patrol a street after cracking down on TLP party activists during an anti-Israel protest in Muridke on October 13. Photo: AFP
The Punjab government has sought the Centre’s approval to ban Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after days of violent clashes with law enforcement. TLP chief Saad Rizvi’s whereabouts remain uncertain. Some say he is on the run, others suspect he has been arrested, while others believe he has fled to Kashmir. What we do know is that he was last tracked down in Sialkot. But can a provincial government actually ban a political party with sitting MPAs?
This was told by lawyer Mirza Moiz Baig Express Pakinomist“While Article 17 of the Constitution guarantees the right to political association, this right is not untainted and certain limitations may be imposed on this right. One such situation where limitations may be imposed on the right to political association is where a political party acts in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan”.
He went on to elaborate that under Section 212 of the Elections Act 2017 allows for such restrictions, however governments can use such provisions to ostracize or marginalize their political opponents. To avoid such abuse, “Section 212 provides that the Federal Government may make a reference in this regard to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court shall then determine whether a political party has in fact acted in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty of the State”.
“The Supreme Court’s judgment in this regard is thus final and binding on all parties.”
Read: Section 144 extended as Punjab government considers TLP ban after violent protests
Procedure for ban:
(1) If the Federal Government, on the basis of a reference from the Commission or information received from any other source, is satisfied that a political party is a foreign-supported political party or has been formed or is operating in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan or is indulging in terrorism, the Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, make such a declaration.
2. Within 15 days after submitting a declaration pursuant to subsection 1, the government brings the case before the Supreme Court.
3. If the Supreme Court upholds the statement made against the political party pursuant to subsection 1, this political party must be dissolved immediately.
Under the criterion laid down by section 212, one considers whether the previous week’s protests warrant a ban? Will the summary of the Punjab provincial government stand in the Supreme Court?
The unrest began after US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a Gaza peace plan on September 29. This plan was later ratified by several countries, including Pakistan. The agreement called for an end to Israel’s two-year war on Gaza, but stopped short of committing to a Palestinian state, a key demand of Pakistan and much of the international community.
Rizvi dismissed the deal as “a conspiracy to subjugate Palestinians” and announced an “Al-Aqsa Gaza march” from Lahore to Islamabad, with the US embassy in the capital as its final destination.
Section 144 imposed in two provinces, the capital, a maze of roadblocks and cargo containers, mobile internet services suspended and police personnel deployed with batons charged, all in preparation for the TLP.
Despite the restrictions, TLP workers forced their way past roadblocks and clashed with police in Lahore. According to officials, dozens of officers were injured as the protesters, moving in small, agile groups, engaged in violent exchanges.
Read more: Punjab government pushes for ban on right-wing TLP after Muridke clashes
Next stop, Muridke. In the early hours of the morning, police officials conducted an operation to crack down on TLP members. This operation came at the cost of five people – a police officer, three TLP workers and a passerby – protesters were accused of opening fire on the police. Vehicles were on fire and the morning light was met with gunfire. Over 2,700 people were detained and another 2,800 placed on the exit control list.
Rumors of Rizvi’s death during the Muridke operation further heightened tensions, leading to fresh demonstrations across the country. Police later confirmed that he was alive, and subsequent raids on his residence allegedly uncovered large amounts of gold, cash and foreign currency.
The TLP, a Barelvi-Sunni political-religious group founded in 2015 by the late Hussain Rizvi, is known for its populist rhetoric and violent protests. Now led by his son, Saad Rizvi, the party brands itself as the “defender of the honor of the Prophet” (PBUH) and has built significant street power through repeated confrontations with the state.
Chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial cabinet approved what it called “historic” and “extraordinary” measures, including placing the party’s leadership on the Fourth Schedule of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act – a list of people suspected of terrorism or sectarian activity. So far, 5,000 protesters have been arrested and police are hunting Saad Rizvi and his brother Anas.
The party has continued to grow electorally despite being briefly banned in 2021. In the last election, it emerged as Pakistan’s fourth largest political party by vote share, securing a seat in the Punjab Assembly.
This is not the first or second protest that the TLP has inflicted on the province. Since its formation, the TLP has repeatedly mobilized around issues of religious sanctity, notably defending Mumtaz Qadri – the killer of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer – and protesting perceived blasphemy.
And every protest brings the same brand of violence, cargo container parkour and an expectation of a ban that this time might actually become a reality.
