The federal cabinet has approved the banning of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

The move follows a detailed summary presented by the Ministry of Interior on the recommendation of the Punjab government, which cited the group’s involvement in violent protests, killings of police personnel, and acts of arson. It had formally recommended the federal government proscribe TLP under relevant anti-terror and public order laws.

The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with top Punjab officials joining via video link.

Briefing reveals TLP’s pattern of violence and unrest

According to the briefing given to the cabinet, TLP — established in 2016 — has consistently incited unrest across the country. The party’s activities have led to widespread chaos, violence, and destruction of property, often resulting in the deaths of law enforcement officials and innocent civilians during protests and rallies.

Evidence presented to the cabinet reportedly confirmed TLP’s direct involvement in terrorist and violent acts, including the use of weapons and attacks on security forces.

The briefing further noted that multiple criminal cases had been registered against the organization and its activists, including charges of promoting sectarianism and firing on police personnel during recent demonstrations.

The Interior Ministry’s presentation emphasized that TLP’s actions have repeatedly disrupted law and order, endangering citizens and state institutions. The group’s alleged attempts to instigate unrest and provoke sectarian tension were cited as key reasons behind the decision to impose the ban.

Punjab govt's recommendation after recent violence

The Punjab government recently moved a summary to the federal authorities after violent protests erupted across several cities in the name of solidarity with Palestine. These protests turned violent, leading to arson, vandalism, and casualties.

Also Read: Punjab approves ban on extremist group, seeks federal action

Officials said that these latest incidents showed that TLP had once again violated the commitments it made in 2021, when a previous government lifted a similar ban on the condition that the organization would abstain from violence.

TLP’s previous ban, 2021 commitment

The cabinet was reminded that TLP had been banned in 2021 by the then government due to violent demonstrations that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. However, the ban was lifted after six months following written guarantees from the party that it would not engage in further unrest or violent activities.

According to the latest briefing, the group has since reneged on those guarantees, prompting authorities to reimpose the ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Cabinet’s unanimous approval and next steps

After reviewing all evidence and recommendations, the federal cabinet unanimously approved the decision to ban Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. The Interior Ministry has been instructed to begin procedural implementation under the ATA, including formal notifications and coordination with provincial governments.

During the meeting, officials emphasized that the decision is not against any religious belief, but against those who use religion as a cover to spread chaos and bloodshed. The cabinet resolved that those taking up arms against the state will face strict action.

Sources confirmed that the ministry will now prepare a summary for publication in the official gazette, completing the procedural requirements for enforcement under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Once notified, TLP’s activities, offices, and assets will fall under government scrutiny, and law enforcement agencies will have the authority to seal premises, freeze accounts, and restrict movement of its leaders and members.

Govt commitment to law and order

The prime minister, while chairing the session, reaffirmed the government’s stance that no group will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state or threaten the safety of citizens.

He directed all law enforcement agencies to enforce the decision firmly yet lawfully, ensuring peace and stability across the country.

On Oct 17, the Punjab cabinet had formally approved the ban on TLP and forwarded a recommendation to the federal government for final action.

Also Read: Punjab approves Surrender Arms law to eradicate illegal weapons

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari had during a media talk in Lahore categorically rejected claims of hundreds of deaths during recent protests, calling the allegations “baseless propaganda.”

“It is not possible to hide the bodies. These claims were spread deliberately to mislead the public,” she said. The minister clarified that the move against TLP was not directed against any sect, mosque, or madrassa, but rather against those challenging the writ of the state.

“Those who raise batons, set fire to property, and disrupt peace cannot be considered sympathizers of the country,” she added.

Crackdown on illegal weapons and hate speech

Azma announced that the Punjab government has stopped issuing new arms licenses, instructing citizens to deposit illegal weapons within one month. She warned that failure to surrender unlicensed weapons would result in terrorism cases being filed under relevant laws.

Additionally, action will be taken against the unnecessary use of loudspeakers, while social media content inciting violence or arson will be prosecuted under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

“No one will be allowed to use social media to spread hate, provoke riots, or endanger peace,” Bukhari emphasized.