Police officers 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 a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and announced stricter measures against those spreading hate content online.
Titled “Punjab Cabinet Approves TLP Ban”, a press release was issued to the media, apparently intended to create a misleading impression that the government had taken steps to suspend the operations of the province’s third largest voting party, even though it has no authority to impose such a ban.
The cabinet, which met on Wednesday, had ratified the decision to send a summary to the Center seeking a ban on the TLP, a decision critics termed disproportionate given the party’s current state of turmoil.
Around 4,000 TLP activists have already been arrested across Punjab. Once known for paralyzing life in central and upper Punjab with mass demonstrations, the group failed to mobilize a significant number of people during its call for protests after Friday prayers.
Despite security alerts in Lahore, no major protests materialized due to aggressive police repression.
Addressing a press conference at the DGPR, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari clarified that the decision was not directed against any religious sect, institution or belief, but rather against a group that had “promoted violence, extremism and public unrest under the guise of religion.”
“The Punjab government has not taken action against any mosque or madrassa. Our decision is against those who spread chaos and impose their ideology by force,” he 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, supposedly held in solidarity with Gaza despite the ceasefire, had turned violent and caused significant damage and loss.
“At least 1,648 Punjab Police officers were injured during the violent protests, more than 50 were permanently disabled, 97 police vehicles were destroyed and two were completely burnt,” he revealed.
He said the provincial government had begun the process of freezing the extremist group’s bank and social media accounts, adding 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,” he said, adding that the loudspeakers would now be used only for Azaan and religious sermons.
Bukhari further announced that the Punjab government had imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new gun licenses and had given one month’s time to people with illegal weapons to surrender them.
“After the deadline, action will be taken on terrorism charges,” he warned. Legal owners of firearms were required to register them at police service centers, he added.
Highlighting the TLP’s history of violent protests, Bukhari said the group had repeatedly attacked police, civilians and state properties over the past eight years.
“Based on this record, the organization is recommended for inclusion in the First Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997,” he added.
Bukhari emphasized that while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was working daily to improve the lives of common citizens, “some elements were planning riots and trying to disturb the peace in the province.”
It is pertinent to mention that the issuance of weapons licenses has already been prohibited since April 2024, and there have been no changes in that policy.
