ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to outlaw the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) after the recent spate of violent protests across the country.
Addressing a press conference, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the religious-cum-political party will be banned under than Anti-Terrorist Act (ATA) Section 1997/11-B. He said the decision was made due due to the party’s recent activities including abduction of policemen and destroying of public property.
The minister said that at least two police officers embraced martyrdom while 340 others were injured during the recent protests while the party’s workers also held several policemen hostage to compel the government to accept their demands.
He clarified that no case registered against TLP activists regarding violence during protests will be withdrawn. He also urged members of the party’s social media wing to surrender themselves before law enforcement agencies.
The minister said that a detailed summary will be forwarded to the federal cabinet to outlaw the party.
Earlier while chairing a meeting, Sheikh Rasheed lauded the law enforcement agencies for clearing the roads blocked due to protest of a religious party across the country.
The minister was chairing a meeting in Islamabad to review the law and order due to protest by the TLP who have blocked roads and staged sit-ins across various parts of the country.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri, while IG Punjab Inam Ghani and Commissioner Rawalpindi attended via video link.
Sheikh Rasheed said the government will deal with an iron fist with those who take the law into their own hands. He directed the law enforcement agencies to ensure writ of the state at every cost.
The minister said motorways, G.T. Road and other roads have been cleared for traffic. He lauded the role of the Rangers and police and the local administration.
