ISLAMABAD: Political analysts and journalists have welcomed the federal cabinet’s decision to impose a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), terming it a necessary but long-overdue move to restore law and order.
talking to Geographic newsHowever, experts urged the government to ensure the action is legally sustainable and applied consistently.
Political analyst Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said the government was legally justified in banning the TLP following the recent wave of violent protests.
“In the past, this party has engaged in similar violent acts. The TLP was banned once in 2021 and considering the latest incidents, the government’s justification seems valid,” he said.
However, he noted that the final decision will rest with the courts. “Ultimately, the matter will be challenged in court and the judiciary will make the final decision,” he added.
Host Shahzeb Khanzada called the ban an “important decision” and said the state had repeatedly surrendered to the group since 2017 despite its violent history.
“TLP protests have repeatedly led to the death and injury of police officers, 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 that no group can spread hate, attack civilians, police or religious minorities. “The State must guarantee that those who finance and support these organizations are held accountable,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, anchor Shahzad Iqbal said the only lasting solution was consistent implementation of the law and the Constitution.
“Since the formation of the TLP, we have seen repeated violations of the law without 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 must be implemented firmly. “The matter will go to the Supreme Court, and if the court endorses it, the ban will be formally applied,” he noted.
