Punjab hands TLP mosques, seminaries to Mufti Muneeb’s body

• CM Maryam orders release of ‘innocent’ supporters of proscribed group
• Rejects claims of hundreds killed in Muridke clashes

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Wednesday announced transferring the administrative control of mosques and seminaries previously run by the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahle Sunnat Pakistan, headed by Mufti Muneebur Rehman, in a move aimed at curbing extremism and promoting moderation.

The decision came during a meeting of the Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen Committee chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where religious scholars from various schools of thought endorsed the government’s steps to restore peace and stability in the province.

Earlier, the provincial government had announced plans to place 300 mosques and 125 seminaries under the Auqaf Department’s control following violent clashes between police and TLP supporters in Muridke earlier this month. The unrest left eight people, including a policeman, dead, and over 1,600 injured.

At the meeting, Ms Nawaz directed officials to release TLP activists found innocent during investigations and ensure they are escorted home “with dignity.”

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Rejecting social media claims that 400 to 600 people were killed during the unrest, the CM dismissed them as “baseless propaganda” spread by jailed PTI founder Imran Khan. “If hundreds had died, where were the bodies?” she asked, questioning the absence of hospital or video evidence.

Ms Nawaz said police had recovered modern weapons from TLP supporters, adding that such arms were “intended for use against the state.” She condemned those “misusing religion for personal or political agendas,” asserting that the state acted only to protect lives and maintain order.

The CM also announced a monthly stipend of Rs25,000 for the imams of all 65,000 mosques across Punjab. Security for Ms Nawaz and cabinet members has been tightened following the crackdown.

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