Lahore, October 17, 2025: The Punjab government has formally recommended a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following a renewed protest call by the group, days after violent demonstrations left several people dead and hundreds injured across the province.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced that the provincial cabinet had approved the proposed ban and forwarded its recommendation to the federal government.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Bokhari said that while religious parties have long been part of Pakistan’s political landscape, “imposing one group’s ideology under the guise of religion cannot be tolerated.”
She described the recent TLP protests as “unjustified and politically motivated,” noting that they were held in the name of Gaza despite a ceasefire being achieved — a development she credited to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“Is setting police vehicles on fire going to solve the issue of Gaza?” she asked. “Those who resort to violence cannot be considered well-wishers of the country or its people.”
Bokhari said the state had concluded that Pakistan could no longer endure violent street movements that disrupt public life. “Blocking roads and shutting down cities under the guise of protest will not be allowed,” she warned. “The right to peaceful protest is protected, but no one has the right to take the law into their own hands.”
The minister highlighted that more than 1,600 police officers were injured in last week’s violence, with over 50 left permanently disabled. Ninety-seven police vehicles were vandalized and two completely burned, while an inspector was martyred after being shot multiple times.
Unrest and crackdown
The unrest erupted in Muridke after police dismantled a TLP protest camp, sparking violent clashes that left a police station house officer (SHO), three others — including a passerby — dead, and 1,648 police personnel injured. Dozens of vehicles were torched, and public and private property was damaged.
In anticipation of a new protest call for Friday, Punjab Police were placed on high alert. Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar said strict action would be taken against anyone violating the law and that Section 144 — which prohibits gatherings of four or more people — would remain in force.
According to intelligence reports, TLP’s Balochistan chapter president had urged supporters to gather at Lahore’s Data Darbar after Friday prayers, prompting authorities to launch a province-wide crackdown.
Police said 624 individuals linked to violent protests were detained in Lahore alone, while the total number of arrests across Punjab has reached approximately 5,100. Key routes leading to Data Darbar were sealed with containers and barbed wire, though traffic and business activity resumed by afternoon.
Lahore CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana warned that anyone attempting to disrupt order would face “an iron-hand response.” He said all markets and transport services would remain open, ensuring protection of citizens’ lives and property.
Security was also tightened in Rawalpindi, with heavy deployments along Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh, and Faizabad, though traffic between Rawalpindi and Islamabad remained smooth. In Lahore, metro bus services were partially suspended, and two Orange Line stations — Bund Road and Multan Road — were temporarily closed.
Police said “foolproof security arrangements” were in place, with the Special Branch and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) maintaining close surveillance of sensitive areas. By midday, officials reported the overall situation across the province was calm and under control.
Government’s position
Bokhari dismissed claims that the government had failed to engage in dialogue with the protesters, saying the talks “had nothing to do with Gaza or Palestine but were entirely about their organizational interests.”
She lauded traders and transporters for rejecting the group’s strike call, describing it as “a reflection of public awareness and resolve.”
“Those who defy the state’s lawful authority are neither allies of religion nor supporters of Pakistan,” she added. “Violence and the misuse of religion for personal gain have no place in Islam.”
Legal and administrative measures
Officials said the decision to seek a ban on TLP was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday. While the group was not named in official statements, the government vowed legal action under anti-terrorism laws against those inciting violence or damaging property.
Under the proposed measures, senior leaders may be placed on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, restricting their movement and financial activities. The provincial government also plans to seize party assets, block social media platforms, and remove banners and advertisements linked to the group.
Violations of the Loudspeaker Act will also attract strict penalties, officials warned.
In Islamabad, authorities sealed several TLP offices in Barakahu, Sowan, and other areas as part of a coordinated nationwide crackdown.
Meanwhile, Tanzeemat-i-Ahle Sunnat and Namus-e-Risalat Mahaz distanced themselves from the TLP protests, clarifying that they had not called for any strike. “We are peaceful people and will not take the law into our own hands,” said spokesperson Muhammad Akram Rizvi, urging the government to resolve disputes through dialogue.
