Yes, work is underway on a proposal to ban the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Pakistan, but it is currently in the proposal and decision-making stage, meaning it has not been finally enforced.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, it was agreed that TLP leaders and workers involved in the death of police officers and destruction of public property will be tried in anti-terrorism courts (ATCs).
This move stems from recent violent protests that occurred between October 10 and 13 during the TLP workers’ march towards Lahore, Muridke, and Islamabad, where they attacked police and tried to break through roadblocks, which resulted in the death of one station house officer (SHO). Forty-eight police and Rangers personnel also sustained injuries during the clashes, with 17 wounded by gunfire.
Current Situation:
- A cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz decided to declare the TLP an “extremist organization” and recommend the ban to the federation. Additionally, order to freeze TLP’s bank accounts.
- In view of the violence, the meeting decided to place the TLP leadership under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. It resolved to hand over all properties and assets of the party to the Auqaf Department and impose a complete ban on its posters, banners, and advertisements.
- Imposition of Section 144 across the province, which bans protests (from October 16 to 18).
- The ban includes a complete prohibition on carrying or displaying weapons, using loudspeakers (except for Azan and Friday sermons in mosques), and publishing or disseminating provocative, hateful, or sectarian material.
https://archive.mmnews.tv/tlp-offices-sealed-in-islamabad/
Possible Outcomes and Context
Religious marginalized and liberal groups are pleased with this move, as TLP workers have been accused of attacking over 25 churches and places of worship in the last 3 years. The action is also being criticized for using the Gaza protests for political gain.
On the other hand, some PTI leaders condemn the violence but say that targeting ordinary workers is wrong. TLP supporters are calling it a conspiracy against “supporting Gaza.”
The Federal Cabinet has not yet given final approval, but a zero-tolerance policy on religious extremism under the National Action Plan (NAP) has been referenced. If approved, the TLP will be banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, which would legally dissolve the party.
The ultra-orthodox party had also been banned in April 2021 after violent protests following the arrest of its leader Saad Rizvi under anti-terror laws. However, the ban was later lifted after negotiations with the PTI government.
The TLP has emerged as a significant political force in recent years, becoming the fourth-largest party in Pakistan following the 2024 general election with nearly 2.9 million votes and the third-largest party in Punjab with approximately 2.5 million votes.
