The Punjab government is reportedly moving toward banning the right-wing Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after violent clashes erupted between the group and law enforcement. The decision comes alongside an extension of Section 144 across the province, which prohibits all public gatherings, rallies, processions, and sit-ins to maintain law and order.
The potential ban follows intense confrontations when police tried to stop TLP workers from marching from Lahore to Islamabad to protest outside the U.S. Embassy in solidarity with Palestinians. The clashes left 48 policemen injured, dozens of vehicles burned, and led to a late-night police operation in Muridke, resulting in mass arrests. The TLP also claimed several of its workers were killed, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that its chief, Saad Rizvi, was wounded.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved placing TLP on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, allowing authorities to curb its movement, speech, and financial activities. Under this move, the party’s properties will be seized by the Auqaf Department, its banners and social media accounts will be blocked, and its bank accounts frozen.
To prevent further unrest, the Punjab Home Department extended Section 144 until October 18, banning gatherings of four or more people, the public display of weapons, and the use of loudspeakers except for prayers and sermons. It also outlawed hate speech, sectarian material, and inflammatory publications. Authorities warned that large gatherings could be targeted by terrorists or exploited by anti-state elements.
The government emphasized that weddings, funerals, and official duties are exempt from the order. Additionally, the Loudspeaker Act is being enforced to curb noise pollution, and citizens have been given one month to register or surrender illegal arms, with the penalty for possession increased to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs2 million.
Founded in 2015 by the late cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, TLP was briefly banned in 2021 after violent nationwide protests but later reinstated. Since then, it has gained political traction, emerging as the third-largest party in Punjab during the general elections.
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