LAHORE — In the wake of renewed unrest, the Punjab government has decided to request a formal ban on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), as law enforcement agencies prepare a province-wide crackdown to prevent the group’s planned demonstrations on Friday.
According to senior officials, the decision comes amid growing fears that the hardline group may attempt another wave of violent protests following Friday prayers. These concerns intensified after TLP Balochistan President Wazir Ahmad Rizvi urged supporters to gather at Lahore’s Data Darbar on October 17. Intelligence reports also warned of potential violent clashes and disruptions across major cities.
Despite the recent operation in Muridke that forced much of the TLP leadership underground, authorities remain on high alert. A senior police officer revealed that special teams have been assigned to track down and arrest remaining leaders and activists. “We received detailed lists of TLP workers and have initiated targeted raids to detain as many as possible before Friday,” the officer said.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar chaired multiple high-level meetings on Thursday, approving the deployment of over 42,000 personnel, including 30,000 uniformed officers and 12,000 plainclothesmen from the Special Branch, across the province. He also identified several high-risk zones in Lahore including Multan Road, Shahdara, Baghbanpura, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Thokar Niaz Baig, and the Babu Sabu Interchange that have previously witnessed TLP-linked violence.
Dr. Anwar warned that any attempt to create chaos or attack public property would be met with force. “Those involved in violence will face charges under anti-terrorism laws and could be imprisoned for up to 14 years,” he said. Section 144 has been enforced across Punjab, banning all rallies and gatherings. AI-based surveillance technology, Safe City cameras, and police databases are being used to trace suspects linked to the group.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has moved to place TLP leaders in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Although the official statement did not directly name the party, Information Minister Azma Bokhari later confirmed that the decision was indeed aimed at TLP.
According to the government’s official handout, Punjab will recommend the federal government impose a complete ban on the extremist group and seize all its assets and properties, transferring them to the Auqaf Department. The statement also announced the freezing of all TLP bank accounts, removal of its posters and banners, and the shutdown of social media accounts spreading hate or incitement.
Those involved in hate speech, violence, or attacks on police officers will face trials in anti-terrorism courts, the government said, adding that strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act will also follow.
It’s worth noting that the TLP was previously banned in April 2021 under the Anti-Terrorism Act but was reinstated later that year after an agreement was reached between the group and the Punjab government to end a violent march toward Islamabad.
This time, however, officials insist the state will not allow “violent extremism under the guise of religion” to destabilize Punjab again.
