- The federal cabinet finds TLP involved in “terrorist activities”.
- Religio-political party faces ban for second time after 2021.
- The Ministry of Law submits a reference to the Supreme Court for approval of the ban.
The federal cabinet has given the go-ahead for a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act following a request by the Punjab government, citing violent protests in the province that left several dead and many injured.
The move follows a series of violent demonstrations by the TLP that erupted earlier this month after police dismantled a protest camp in Muridke, leading to confrontations that resulted in the death of a police officer (SHO) and three others, including a passerby.
In today’s session, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federal cabinet unanimously approved declaring the TLP a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act, according to the statement.
The summary was presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs following a request by the Punjab government. Senior officials from Punjab also participated in the meeting through video link.
A briefing informed the cabinet members about the violent and terrorist activities of the TLP and its involvement in spreading unrest across the country since its establishment in 2016.
The meeting was told that the actions of the party had fueled incidents of chaos and unrest in various parts of the country.
It was further disclosed that the previous government had also imposed a ban on TLP in 2021, which was lifted six months later on the condition that the organization would refrain from engaging in violent or disruptive activities.
The new ban was imposed after the group breached those assurances.
The briefing also recalled that previous violent protests, gatherings and rallies organized by the TLP had resulted in the deaths of security personnel and innocent bystanders.
After reviewing the briefing and Punjab government’s recommendations, the federal cabinet reached a unanimous conclusion that TLP is involved in terrorism and violent activities.
The cabinet also issued directives to the home ministry to complete legal procedures to enforce the ban.
Well-placed sources said the case regarding the ban on TLP would be sent to the Ministry of Law and Justice, which will formally file a reference in the Supreme Court within 15 days of the government’s approval to meet legal requirements.
The TLP will be notified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) once the apex court approves the federal government’s reference, he added.
