TLP Banned Nationwide After Deadly Lahore Protests

The federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The decision came after violent anti-Israel protests near Lahore caused several deaths earlier this month.

Cabinet Approves Ban After Detailed Briefing

The Ministry of Interior presented a report prepared with the Punjab government. Officials briefed the cabinet that TLP has repeatedly incited violence and created unrest since its formation in 2016.

In 2021, the government had also banned the group but lifted the ban six months later after TLP promised to stay peaceful. Officials said the party broke its promise by again using violence during protests.

After reviewing the report, the cabinet unanimously agreed that TLP’s activities fit the legal definition of terrorism. The group is now officially listed as a proscribed organisation.

Punjab Cracks Down on Weapons Dealers

Following the clashes, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari announced strict actions to improve law and order.

• The province suspended licences of 28 weapons dealers.

• Authorities sealed several unlicensed shops.

• Bokhari said more than one million people in Punjab legally own weapons, making peacekeeping a challenge.

• She noted that 47,918 security firms and over 42,000 institutions hold official licences.

Bokhari also displayed images of weapons and ammunition seized from TLP activists. She said protesters snatched arms and anti-riot gear from police, including submachine guns, pistols, tear-gas shells, and protective kits.

During the most recent protest, TLP supporters seized 945 bullets, 11 submachine guns, two 12-bore pistols, and nearly 1,000 tear-gas shells. They also damaged eight police vehicles and Safe City cameras, according to Bokhari.

Strong Legal and Digital Actions

The Punjab government created a special prosecution cell to manage TLP-related cases.

• Police have arrested 559 suspects.

• 161 people remain in jail, while 190 are on judicial remand.

• Cyber authorities blocked 75 social-media links spreading hate content.

• Police detained 107 people for posting violent or extremist material online.

Citizens Asked to Report Extremists and Illegal Residents

Bokhari urged citizens to call the police helpline 15 to report extremists or illegal residents, including undocumented Afghan nationals. She assured that caller identities will stay confidential.

She also warned that renting property to illegal residents is now a punishable offence. The government has banned posters, pamphlets, and any publicity by extremist groups across Punjab.

Crackdown on Illegal Arms and Factories

The Punjab government asked the federal authorities to help regularise local weapons factories. Officials said this move will tighten control over arms production and reduce illegal weapons circulation.