Federal Cabinet Approves Ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan under Anti-Terrorism Act, marking a decisive step in Pakistan’s efforts to curb religious extremism and maintain law and order. The decision came after a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which reviewed a summary recommending the ban on the group under Section 11B(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
According to official sources, the federal cabinet has directed the Ministry of Interior to complete all procedural formalities required to implement the ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The Punjab government had earlier forwarded a formal recommendation to the federal government, citing the group’s involvement in violent demonstrations that caused widespread destruction and chaos across the province.
This is not the first time TLP has faced a state-imposed ban. In 2021, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government also outlawed the group, but the decision was revoked seven months later. However, the latest crackdown appears to be far more comprehensive, following a series of deadly protests in Punjab that left several people dead and hundreds injured.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari confirmed earlier this week that the decision to ban TLP was imminent, emphasizing that the government would not tolerate any organization that threatens peace or challenges the writ of the state. She accused TLP workers of looting, vandalizing property, and assaulting law enforcement officers during recent protests, adding that their violent behavior had “shattered the peace of Punjab.”
Bukhari also revealed that multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered against TLP chief Hafiz Saad Rizvi, his brother Anas Rizvi, and members of the party’s consultative council. The cases, registered in Muridke, relate to the group’s attempts to march toward Islamabad during October’s unrest. Section 144 remains in force across Punjab, making any unauthorized public gathering illegal, while the government continues to intensify its crackdown on illegal weapons.
In her press briefing, Bukhari disclosed that 91 bank accounts belonging to Saad Rizvi had been frozen and that more than 3,800 facilitators had been identified for providing financial support to the group. She stated that terrorism charges would be registered against anyone funding TLP’s operations. Authorities have also recovered 1.92 kilograms of gold, 898 grams of silver, 69 branded watches, gold and silver jewelry, and Indian currency from Rizvi’s residence, indicating the group’s extensive financial network.
The Punjab government has also sealed several unlicensed arms shops and canceled the licenses of 28 arms dealers as part of its ongoing crackdown. “Over one million people in Punjab currently possess weapons, but no new licenses will be issued,” Bukhari clarified, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward armed groups.
She added that TLP’s propaganda campaigns, particularly those spreading false claims about casualties during protests, were being investigated. “Three civilians were martyred and 45 others injured in the Muridke violence, while 110 policemen also sustained injuries,” she said. The government has vowed not to allow gatherings at the grave of TLP founder Khadim Rizvi if they are used for incitement or fundraising.
Federal Cabinet Approves Ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan under Anti-Terrorism Act, signaling a strong stance by the Pakistani government against extremist organizations operating under the guise of religion and reaffirming the state’s commitment to restoring peace and enforcing the rule of law.