Punjab Government Bans TLP, Sends Summary to Federal CabinetSection 144 imposed across province; crackdown announced on illegal arms and violent protesters
LAHORE (Staff Report) — The Punjab government has formally banned the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and forwarded a summary to the federal government for final approval, Provincial Minister for Information Uzma Bukhari announced during a press conference in Lahore on Friday. Bukhari said Section 144 had been imposed throughout Punjab to maintain law and order, adding…
LAHORE (Staff Report) — The Punjab government has formally banned the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and forwarded a summary to the federal government for final approval, Provincial Minister for Information Uzma Bukhari announced during a press conference in Lahore on Friday.
Bukhari said Section 144 had been imposed throughout Punjab to maintain law and order, adding that “no group will be allowed to paralyze the country under the pretext of religion.” She thanked traders, transporters, and the public for rejecting the strike call given by the religious group.
“This protest had nothing to do with Palestine or Gaza,” she said, noting that “the call for agitation came after the Gaza ceasefire agreement, while the world was appreciating Pakistan’s role in promoting peace.”
The minister emphasized that the provincial cabinet’s decision to ban TLP was based on security considerations, not religious motives. “The state and government have decided that this time, no one will be allowed to hold the nation hostage using the name of religion,” she stated.
Bukhari accused TLP leaders of exploiting religion for personal gain, alleging that “properties worth millions, petrol pumps, and luxury items have been discovered during investigations.”
She condemned the violence during recent protests, which left over 200 police officers injured and 17 police vehicles damaged, two of them completely destroyed. “An inspector was martyred after being shot 26 times. Is this how Gaza’s issue is solved?” she asked.
According to Bukhari, the government has tightened enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act and imposed a complete ban on illegal weapons. “Anyone possessing unauthorized arms must surrender them to the police, or they will face terrorism charges,” she warned.
She added that cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) would be filed against those involved in inciting violence or vandalism online. “The state has decided to act firmly — no one will be allowed to disrupt peace in the name of faith,” she said.
