- Punjab to take action against extremist party inciting violence, hatred.
- The Punjab government will include Afghan citizens in the tax net.
- The provincial government is proposing tougher laws on illegal guns.
The Punjab government has decided to approach the Center to impose a ban on an “extremist party” following the latest wave of violent protests orchestrated by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
At a high-level meeting on law and order, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, the provincial leadership approved “historic” and “extraordinary” measures.
Without naming any party, the provincial government statement said those involved in inciting violence, spreading hatred and breaking the law will be arrested “immediately”.
It further said that leaders and workers of extremist parties responsible for the deaths of law enforcement personnel and involved in damaging public property will be tried in anti-terrorism courts.
The leadership of the party is also expected to be placed on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which places strict limits on their movement and activities.
As part of the wider crackdown, the provincial government plans to seize all the party’s properties and assets, which will be handed over to the Auqaf department. It is also on its way to completely banning the group’s posters, banners and advertisements. Their social media accounts will be closed and all associated bank accounts will be frozen. The statement has also signaled that any misuse of loudspeakers in violation of the Loudspeakers Act will be meted with severe penalties.
The move comes as part of a wider crackdown aimed at restoring public order and strengthening state and rule of law mandates following recent unrest across the province.
Earlier this week, law enforcement agencies launched a crackdown on TLP protesters and dismantled their protest camp in Muridke, resulting in violent clashes and dozens of arrests.
According to the senior police official, a Station House Officer (SHO) on duty was martyred and 48 policemen sustained injuries, of which 17 sustained bullet injuries during the clashes with TLP protesters.
TLP protesters attempted to march on the federal capital despite the ban on public assembly under Section 144, resulting in days of unrest across
The TLP march also left at least 40 public and private vehicles burnt and several shops set on fire.
At least three TLP workers and a bystander died in the violent clashes, while reports indicated that at least 30 civilians were also injured.
Inclusion of Afghan citizens in the tax net
In the same meeting, the Punjab government has also decided to focus on undocumented Afghan nationals living in the province. It plans to include Afghan citizens in the tax net and begin collecting real-time data on those staying illegally.
Meanwhile, a whistleblower system is being introduced to allow people to report illegal residents while keeping their identity confidential.
The government will also conduct targeted operations against undocumented aliens and their businesses, with deportations to follow according to federal guidelines.
Stricter gun laws
In addition, the provincial government is also cracking down on those who possess illegal weapons. Citizens have been given one month to register their legal firearms at local service centres. Gun dealers across the province will have their inventories checked and no new licenses will be issued during this time. The province has also asked the federal government to step in and regulate gun manufacturers and factories.
One of the most significant changes is the tightening of the penalties for possession of illegal weapons. As of now, offenders can face up to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs2 million. The offense will now be considered non-bailable.
