Federal Cabinet Approves Ban on TLP Under Anti-Terrorism Act

ISLAMABAD — The federal government on Thursday approved a ban on the religiopolitical party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), following violent protests held earlier this month.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the federal cabinet approved the ban unanimously after deliberating on a recommendation from the Punjab government. The interior ministry presented the summary, briefing the cabinet on what it described as the TLP’s “violent and terrorist activities” across the country.

The PMO statement noted that the TLP, founded in 2016, had previously been banned in 2021 for similar reasons, but the restriction was lifted six months later on the party’s assurance that it would refrain from violence. The government said the party had since violated those commitments, leading to the renewed ban.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah told Geo News that the decision aimed to “purge the party of extremist elements,” not to suppress its religious views. He said previous TLP protests, including the 2017 Faizabad sit-in, had resulted in loss of life and property damage. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry echoed the sentiment, saying the party had acted “in the manner of an extremist group,” leaving the government no choice but to impose the ban.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari earlier detailed the province’s report to the Centre, citing attacks on police, snatching of weapons, and widespread damage to public property during recent demonstrations. She said over 500 suspects were under investigation, with several facing terrorism charges.

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Under the ATA, proscribed groups and individuals face travel bans, asset freezes, and surveillance under the Fourth Schedule. The government will now refer the case to the Supreme Court for final adjudication, as required by Article 17(2) of the Constitution.

The TLP had staged a protest in Lahore earlier this month, which authorities said turned violent before being dispersed in a law enforcement operation.

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