ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has unanimously approved a decision to declare the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act following a summary moved by the Ministry of Interior at the request of the Punjab government.
During the meeting, the cabinet was briefed on the TLP’s involvement in violent and extremist activities across the country. Senior officials from the Punjab government joined the session via video link to present details of the group’s repeated acts of violence, disruption, and incitement of unrest since its formation in 2016.
The briefing highlighted that TLP had been responsible for several violent protests and clashes that resulted in casualties among law enforcement personnel and civilians. It was also noted that in 2021, the organization was previously banned by the then-government, but the ban was lifted six months later on the assurance that the group would refrain from violence and disorder — assurances it has since violated.
Citing the group’s continued involvement in inciting violence and promoting extremist narratives, the cabinet, after reviewing the Punjab government’s recommendation and detailed reports, concluded that TLP’s activities fall within the scope of terrorism and unanimously agreed to reimpose the ban.
Officials confirmed that the decision has been taken in accordance with the Anti-Terrorism Act to ensure law and order and prevent further disruption to public safety and national stability.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government had previously banned TLP in 2021, but the decision was revoked seven months later.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said earlier that a decision to ban the group was imminent following widespread violent protests and property damage across the province.
She said TLP activists had been “roaming freely and creating panic among citizens,” and the government had now decided to act decisively to restore order. Bukhari accused TLP workers of vandalising public and private property, looting shops, and seizing vehicles during demonstrations.
Muridke police have registered three more FIRs against TLP chief Saad Rizvi, his brother Anas Rizvi, members of the party’s consultative council, and several protesters for attempting to enter Islamabad during recent protests.
Bukhari confirmed that Section 144 remains enforced across Punjab, making unauthorised public gatherings illegal. Those carrying unlicensed weapons or organising armed groups would face strict action, she warned, adding that “no one will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state.”
She said the government had intensified its crackdown on illegal arms, cancelling 28 dealers’ licences and sealing several unlicensed shops. Over one million people in Punjab currently hold weapons, while more than 42,000 licences are registered under various institutions.
Bukhari also revealed that 1.92 kilograms of gold, 898 grams of silver, 69 branded watches, gold jewellery, silver crowns, and INR 50,000 were recovered from Saad Rizvi’s residence.
She said 91 bank accounts linked to Rizvi had been frozen and that terrorism cases would be registered against those providing financial support to TLP, adding that as many as 3,800 facilitators had been identified.
Bukhari clarified that the government had no plans to move the grave of TLP founder Khadim Rizvi but that gatherings for fundraising or incitement at the site would not be allowed.
She said the group spread propaganda about “dead bodies” during the protest, adding that three civilians — all bystanders — were killed and 45 others injured in the Muridke incident. During the violent protests, 110 policemen were also wounded.
