Government Enforces Ban on TLP, Religious Groups Remain Silent

Islamabad | October 25, 2025: The federal government’s ban on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has officially come into effect, leaving the once-prominent religio-political party isolated as no major religious or political organization has publicly supported it, unlike during the previous ban in 2021.

The Ministry of Interior formally notified the proscription on Friday through SRO 2011(1) of 2025, declaring TLP a banned organization under Section 11B(1)(a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997. The group now faces restrictions including sealing of offices, curbs on promotional material, press statements, financial sanctions, and prohibition from political and social activities. TLP may appeal the ban to a review committee within 30 days.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah claimed that TLP had historically been used to divert votes from the PML-N, but said negotiations with the group were no longer possible. “There can be no reassurance after the group violated previous commitments,” he stated, emphasizing that a banned party cannot participate in elections.

Unlike earlier bans under the ATA, which affected groups like Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) and Tehreek-i-Jafria Pakistan (TJP)—both of which retained some political and religious backing—TLP has found itself without defenders. Analysts attribute this to hopes that former TLP supporters will return to their original parties.

Following the ban, the Punjab government moved to seal mosques linked to TLP supporters. Concerns were raised by Tanzeemat Ahl-i-Sunnat Pakistan, an umbrella Barelvi body, over mosque takeovers, but authorities later clarified that all mosques had been reopened for prayers with replacement clerics appointed where necessary.

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SIC chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza condemned the use of violence by TLP, stating, “Politics of violence from any Barelvi platform harms the nation more than it benefits it.” Former negotiators, including Mufti Muneebur Rehman and prominent civil figures, have remained silent following the latest ban, underscoring the TLP leadership’s alienation from mainstream clerical support.

TLP, founded by the late Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi in 2015, initially focused on issues surrounding the finality of Prophethood but has now become the first Barelvi political party to be proscribed twice. Officials warn that any further violations of law by the group will be met with strict enforcement under the ATA.