Islamabad– The Pakistani government has banned the radical Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) following deadly confrontations with police in Lahore, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry. The decision comes after violent protests sparked by the TLP’s demand for the release of its leader, Saad Rizvi, and the expulsion of a foreign diplomat over alleged blasphemous content.
The clashes in Lahore resulted in significant casualties, reporting that at least four police officers and several TLP supporters were killed during the unrest. The protests saw TLP members blocking major roads, clashing with law enforcement, and causing widespread disruption in the city. Authorities accused the group of using firearms and other weapons, escalating the violence.
In response, the Interior Ministry issued a notification declaring TLP a proscribed organization under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws, citing its role in inciting violence and threatening public order. The ban prohibits TLP’s activities, freezes its financial assets, and restricts its members from organizing public gatherings. Firstpost noted that this marks a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to curb the group’s influence, which has grown through its hardline stance on blasphemy issues.
The TLP, formed in 2015, has gained notoriety for its ability to mobilize large crowds over religious controversies, often paralyzing urban centers. The group’s protests have repeatedly pressured the government, including past demands for the expulsion of foreign diplomats. The recent violence in Lahore, however, prompted swift action, with security forces deployed to restore order.
The government has vowed to enforce the ban rigorously, with law enforcement agencies directed to monitor TLP activities closely. The decision has sparked debate, with some critics arguing it may further radicalize the group’s supporters, while others support the move as necessary for public safety. Authorities have urged calm as they work to prevent further unrest in the wake of the ban.
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