The federal government has taken a major step. The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The decision followed a formal request from the Punjab government. The Interior Ministry provided a detailed briefing to cabinet members about the situation.
The Punjab government recommended a ban due to serious allegations, citing the TLP’s involvement in violent protests, arson, and attacks on police officers.
The Interior Ministry’s briefing detailed charges against individuals, including inciting public unrest, challenging the state’s authority, and damaging public and private property. The cabinet has since directed the ministry to complete all necessary legal steps to enforce the ban.
Read: Punjab Freezes 95 TLP Accounts, Seizes Rs208M Assets in Crackdown on Saad Rizvi
Official sources revealed the next phase of the process. A formal reference will be sent to the Supreme Court within 15 days. This step is required to formalise the ban under Pakistani law. At the Supreme Court, the TLP will have the right to present its defence.
The decision follows a recent report from the Punjab police. The report detailed the impact of TLP protests over the last nine years.
According to the report, 11 police officers were killed, 1,648 police personnel were injured, with 69 sustaining permanent disabilities. Additionally, 16 civilians lost their lives, 97 police vehicles were destroyed, and 10 police buildings suffered severe damage. The police also reported that hundreds of cases were filed against protesters. This includes 305 cases under anti-terrorism laws.
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