Police officers stand as they use tear gas to disperse TLP supporters during a solidarity march for Gaza in Lahore on October 10, 2025. Photo: Reuters
LAHORE:
The Punjab government on Friday reaffirmed its decision to send a summary to the Center recommending banning Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and announced stricter action against those spreading hateful content online.
Titled “Punjab cabinet approves ban on TLP”, a press release was issued to the media – apparently aimed at creating a misleading impression that the government had decided to suspend the operations of the third largest electoral party in the province, even though it has no authority to impose such a ban.
The cabinet, which met on Wednesday, ratified the decision to forward a summary to the Center seeking a ban on the TLP, a move that critics called disproportionate, given the party’s current state of disarray.
Around 4,000 TLP activists have already been arrested across Punjab. Once known for paralyzing life in central and upper Punjab with massive protests, the group failed to mobilize significant numbers of people during its call for protests after Friday prayers.
Despite security alerts in Lahore, no major protests took place due to the aggressive police crackdown.
Addressing a press conference at the DGPR, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari clarified that the decision was not directed against any sect, institution or religious belief, but rather against a group that had “encouraged violence, extremism and public unrest under the guise of religion”.
“The Punjab government has not taken any action against any mosque or madrassa. Our decision is against those who create chaos and impose their ideology by force,” she said. “Religion cannot be used as a tool of anarchy. Pakistan can no longer afford violent protests in the name of faith.”
Bukhari said recent TLP protests, allegedly held in solidarity with Gaza despite a ceasefire, had turned violent and resulted in significant damage and casualties.
“At least 1,648 Punjab Police personnel were injured during the violent protests, more than 50 were 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 accounts and social media accounts, adding there would be “zero tolerance” for hate speech, incitement or violent propaganda.
“Under the PECA Act, those who spread hateful content online will face strict action,” she said, adding that loudspeakers would now only be used for Azaan and religious sermons.
Bukhari further announced that the Punjab government had imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new arms licenses and given a month to people holding illegal arms to return them.
“After the deadline, measures will be taken for terrorism,” she warned. Legal gun 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 state property over the past eight years.
“Based on this review, it is recommended that the organization be included in the first list of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997,” she added.
Bukhari pointed out that while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was working daily to improve the lives of ordinary citizens, “some elements were plotting trouble and trying to disrupt peace in the province”.
It is pertinent to mention that the issuance of weapons licenses has already been banned since April 2024 and there has been no change in this policy.
