Police officers stand as they use tear gas to disperse supporters of the TLP during a solidarity march for Gaza in Lahore on October 10, 2025. Photo: Reuters
LAHORE:
The Punjab government on Friday confirmed its decision to send a summary to the Center recommending a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and announcing stricter measures against those spreading hate content online.
Titled “Punjab Cabinet approves ban on TLP”, a press release was issued to the media – apparently with the aim of creating a misleading impression that the government had moved to suspend the operations of the province’s third-largest vote-making party, even though it has no authority to impose such a ban.
The cabinet, which met on Wednesday, had ratified the move to send a summary to the Center seeking to divest from the TLP, a decision critics described as disproportionate given the party’s current state of disarray.
About 4,000 TLP activists have already been detained across Punjab. Once known for paralyzing life in central and upper Punjab with massive demonstrations, the group failed to mobilize significant numbers during its call for protests after Friday prayers.
Despite security warnings in Lahore, no major demonstrations materialized due to aggressive police repression.
At a DGPR press conference, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari clarified that the decision was not aimed at any religious sect, institution or faith, but rather at a group that had “promoted violence, extremism and public unrest under the guise of religion”.
“Punjab government has not taken any action against any mosque or madrassa. Our decision is against those who are spreading chaos and imposing their ideology by force,” she said. “Religion cannot be used as a tool for anarchy. Pakistan can no longer afford violent protests in the name of faith.”
Bukhari said recent TLP demonstrations, allegedly held in solidarity with Gaza despite a ceasefire, had turned violent and resulted in significant injuries and casualties.
“As many as 1,648 Punjab police personnel were injured during the violent protests, over 50 have been permanently disabled, 97 police vehicles were destroyed and two were completely burnt,” she revealed.
She said the provincial government had begun the process of freezing the extremist group’s bank and social media accounts, adding that there would be “zero tolerance” for hate speech, incitement or violent propaganda.
“Under the PECA Act, those who spread hate content online will face strict action,” she said, adding that loudspeakers will now be used only for Azaan and religious sermons.
Bukhari further announced that the Punjab government had imposed a complete ban on issuing new arms licenses and given one month to people with illegal arms to surrender them.
“After the deadline, action will be taken under terrorism charges,” she warned. Legal firearms owners were required to register their weapons at police service centers, she added.
Highlighting the TLP’s history of violent protests, Bukhari said the group had repeatedly attacked police, civilians and government property over the past eight years.
“Based on this record, the organization is recommended for inclusion in the First Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997,” she added.
Bukhari stressed that while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was working daily to improve the lives of ordinary citizens, “some elements were planning unrest and trying to disturb the peace of the province.”
It is pertinent to mention that issuance of arms licenses has already been banned since April 2024 and there has been no change in that policy.
