ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Thursday unanimously approved a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), following a request from the Punjab government citing the party’s violent and extremist activities.
The decision, taken during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, came after the Interior Ministry presented a summary recommending the ban, backed by Punjab’s formal approval. Senior Punjab officials joined the session via video link.
Officials briefed the cabinet on TLP’s history of violent protests and public disorder since its founding in 2016, noting repeated breaches of earlier commitments to abstain from violence. The party was first outlawed in April 2021 under the PTI government, but the ban was lifted six months later.
Under Article 17(2) of the Constitution, the federal cabinet has the authority to ban political parties deemed threats to national security. Following the cabinet’s decision, the Interior Ministry must file a reference with the Supreme Court within 15 days, whose ruling will be final.
The move follows Punjab’s recommendation after violent clashes in Muridke on October 13, when TLP’s “Gaza March” led to the death of a police officer and injuries to dozens of personnel and civilians. The provincial government has also decided to place TLP leaders under the Fourth Schedule of the ATA, freeze the party’s assets and bank accounts, and block its social media platforms.
