TLP offices, mosques sealed as Punjab and Center launch wide crackdown

The Punjab government and the Islamabad Capital Territory administration have launched an offensive against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, sealing several of its offices, mosques and seminaries amid heightened tensions ahead of the group’s planned protests.

The coordinated operation comes after days of violence and comes just before national demonstrations scheduled by the TLP for Friday. Authorities said the crackdown is aimed at curbing unrest and preventing the misuse of religious platforms to incite violence and chaos.

In Islamabad, authorities sealed the TLP head office located in rural Murree Road area in Athal Chowk, along with another party office in Madina Town on Simly Dam Road, Bhara Kahu.

The central mosque and Anwar Madina seminary in Nai Abadi, Bhara Kahu and another mosque in Mohallah Tekri were also closed.

Read more: The government made efforts for a peaceful resolution, but the TLP opted for violence: Naqvi

At the union council level, the TLP offices in Shahpur and the Mumtaz Qadri mosque in Athal village were sealed, along with the Jamia mosque on Satrah Mile on Murree Road and the TLP UC-14 office, mosque and seminary in Siri Chowk, Phulgran.

Officials confirmed that five new cases had been registered against TLP leaders and workers as part of the ongoing legal action.

Two cases were filed at Tarnol police station, naming 89 accused under four legal provisions, while Sumbal police registered one case naming 33 workers, and Sangjani police filed another against 51 TLP members. Authorities also took steps to freeze all bank accounts associated with the group.

Repression in Lahore and Rawalpindi

In Lahore, the Punjab government intensified its actions, sealing two major mosques in Johar Town and Model Town, including the TLP headquarters.

The central Mohammadia Ghousia mosque was placed under the supervision of the local administration, with a government-appointed cleric assigned to manage religious affairs.

A Chakri police video showed SHO additional sub-inspector Malik Bashir announcing the order through the mosque’s loudspeaker, urging residents to cooperate with authorities and warning against interference in administrative matters.

Read also: Section 144 extended as Punjab govt considers TLP ban after violent protests

In Rawalpindi, control of eight TLP-affiliated mosques and one seminary was handed over to the Auqaf department. Police and administrative officials deployed security personnel to the sites before formally transferring management and maintenance responsibilities.

Meanwhile, a senior police officer confirmed that more than 5,500 police officers and personnel had been deployed in Rawalpindi ahead of Friday prayers, the first since the Muridke incidents.

Security check posts were set up at all entry and exit points, while police personnel equipped with riot gear were posted at sensitive locations in both urban areas and cantonments. The official clarified that despite the heightened alert, the roads would remain open and daily life would continue as normal.

Punjab vows ‘tough line’ policy

The crackdown comes in the wake of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s meeting on law and order, during which she ordered officials to adopt a “tough” strategy against elements involved in bloodshed, sabotage and riots.

Officials reaffirmed that the government’s actions were not directed at any religious group but rather at individuals and organizations with a history of disturbing the peace.

The government warned that such crimes would be prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws, while attempts to radicalize children or undermine religious sanctity would face the same legal consequences.

A total ban has been imposed on the use of spiked sticks, Molotov cocktails and all weapons during protests. Authorities have also been instructed to strictly enforce loudspeaker regulations.

Section 144 remains in force across Punjab until October 18, with violations punishable under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Authorities said those who spread hate speech or disinformation online will face cases under the Electronic Crimes Prevention Act.

Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar said no one will be allowed to take to the streets under the pretext of a strike, and warned that rioters and instigators will face strict legal consequences, including up to 14 years in prison under anti-terrorism laws.

Markets, public transport and businesses will remain open as the government acts to ensure law and order across Punjab.