ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has issued an official notification declaring a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing the group’s involvement in terrorism and violent activities across the country.
The decision came a day after the Federal Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the ban during a high-level meeting on Thursday evening.
According to the notification, the federal government believes that TLP is involved in acts of terrorism, and therefore, the Interior Ministry has ordered that the organization be included in the First Schedule of proscribed organizations under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Briefing the cabinet, officials stated that since its establishment in 2016, TLP has been responsible for inciting unrest nationwide. The party has repeatedly staged violent protests and rallies resulting in the deaths of security personnel and innocent civilians.
Sources added that the group faces allegations of spreading sectarianism, challenging the writ of the state, engaging in violent demonstrations, and being involved in arson, vandalism, and attacks on law enforcement personnel.
Several criminal cases have reportedly been registered against TLP members for opening fire on police and damaging public and private property.
The government’s move marks another major attempt to curb extremist and violent political activities in Pakistan, which have repeatedly disrupted law and order in major cities.
Comments are closed.