- Punjab must take action against extremist parties inciting violence and hatred.
- The Punjab government will include Afghan citizens in the tax net.
- The provincial government is proposing stricter laws for illegal weapons.
The Punjab government has decided to approach the Center to ban an “extremist party” following the recent 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, provincial leaders approved “historic” and “extraordinary” measures.
Without naming any party, the statement released by the provincial government said those involved in inciting violence, spreading hatred and violating the law will be arrested “immediately.”
He added that extremist party leaders and workers responsible for the deaths of law enforcement personnel and involved in the destruction of public property will be tried by anti-terrorism courts.
The party’s leaders are also expected to be included in the Fourth Schedule of the anti-terrorism law, which imposes strict limits on their movements and activities.
As part of a broader crackdown, the provincial government plans to seize all party properties and assets, which will be handed over to the Auqaf department. It is also proposed to completely ban the group’s posters, banners and advertisements. Their social media accounts will be closed and all associated bank accounts frozen. The statement also said that any misuse of loudspeakers, in violation of the loudspeakers law, will be met with heavy penalties.
The move is part of a broader crackdown aimed at restoring public order and strengthening state authority and the rule of law following recent unrest in the province.
Earlier this week, law enforcement launched a crackdown on TLP protesters and dismantled their protest camp in Muridke, leading to violent clashes and dozens of arrests.
According to the senior police official, a station house officer (SHO) on duty was martyred and 48 police officers were injured, including 17 who were shot during the clashes with the TLP protesters.
TLP protesters attempted to march towards the federal capital despite the ban on public assembly under Section 144, leading to days of unrest across the country.
The TLP march also set at least 40 government and private vehicles on fire and several stores burned.
At least three TLP employees and a bystander died in the violent clashes, while reports show that at least 30 civilians were also injured.
Inclusion of Afghan citizens in the tax net
At the same meeting, the Punjab government 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.
At the same time, a reporting system is in place to allow people to report illegal residents while keeping their identity confidential.
The government will also conduct targeted operations against unregistered aliens and their businesses, followed by deportations in accordance with federal guidelines.
Stricter gun laws
In addition, the provincial government comes down hard on those who own illegal weapons. Citizens have one month to register their legal firearms at local service centers. Gun dealers across the province will have their stocks checked and no new licenses will be issued during this time. The province also called on the federal government to step in and regulate gun manufacturers and factories.
One of the most significant changes is the tougher penalties for possessing illegal weapons. From now on, offenders risk up to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs2 million. The crime will now be considered non-bailable.
