ISLAMABAD: Political analysts and journalists have welcomed the federal cabinet’s decision to impose a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), calling it a necessary but long overdue step to restore law and order.
speaks to Pakinomist newshowever, the experts called on the government to ensure that the act is legally sustainable and consistently enforced.
Political analyst Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said the government was legally justified in banning the TLP after the latest wave of violent protests.
“In the past, this party has engaged in similar acts of violence. The TLP was banned once in 2021 and given recent incidents, the government’s reasoning seems valid,” he said.
However, he noted that the final decision would rest with the courts. “Ultimately, the case will be contested in court and the judiciary will make the final decision,” he added.
Anchor personality Shahzeb Khanzada termed the ban an “important decision” and said the state had repeatedly surrendered to the group since 2017 despite its violent record.
“TLP protests have repeatedly resulted in the killing and injury of policemen, but the state signed agreements instead of taking decisive action,” he said.
He added that the government must now move forward with a “comprehensive policy” that ensures no group is allowed to spread hatred, attack civilians, police or religious minorities. “The state must ensure that those who finance and support such organizations are held accountable,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, anchor personality Shahzad Iqbal said the only viable solution was consistent implementation of the law and the constitution.
“Since the TLP’s formation, we have seen repeated violations of the law with no real consequences. Despite the loss of life and property, governments continued to sign agreements with them,” he said.
Iqbal added that if the government’s current decision is in accordance with the law, it should be pursued firmly. “The case will go to the Supreme Court and if the court approves, the ban will be formally enforced,” he noted.
