Federal Cabinet Imposes Decisive Ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan Under Anti-Terrorism Act!

In a significant political and security development, the federal cabinet has formally given its nod to a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. The move, announced in a high-level meeting presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reflects the government’s determination to uphold law and order in the wake of repeated violent protests.

Summary to outlaw TLP was given by the Ministry of Interior upon the request of the Punjab government, which had previously requested the federal authorities to take tough action after a series of violent protests and public unrest.

Violence and Chaos: The Reason Behind the Ban

The Punjab officials participated in the federal cabinet session through video link and informed members of TLP’s frequent participation in acts of vandalism, violence, and terrorism. The group has been in the news since its formation in 2016 as it has been organizing countrywide protests, which have regularly resulted in loss of life, loss of property, and public nuisance.

Security personnel produced detailed evidence of how TLP’s protests have regularly turned into outright riots. Police officers, security officials, and civilians have been killed or injured in riots triggered by the group workers at earlier sit-ins and marches.

A Repeated Pattern of Broken Promises

It is not the first time the party has been banned. In 2021, the then government had banned TLP under the terrorism laws. The ban was, however, withdrawn after six months against assurances that the party would not engage in further violence.

Government officials quoted that TLP has again broken those promises, which has led the authorities to once again impose the ban. “The group has not honored the assurances they made in 2021 and is still threatening public safety,” a senior member of the cabinet said while attending the meeting.

The Recent Protests That Sparked the Crackdown

The new development comes after a violent sequence of protests led by TLP last month. The movement organized a Lahore march on October 10, in solidarity with the people of Gaza, but the march took an instant turn. Demonstrators tried to march towards the US Embassy in Islamabad, resulting in intense clashes with police in Muridke and Sadhoke.

As per Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, the arrested protesters yielded glass bullets, salt, batons, toxic chemicals, face masks, and even guns to authorities. “Is this what they consider a peaceful protest?” he asked.

The clashes turned violent and resulted in five fatalities, including a police officer, with dozens injured. Protesters are said to have torched 40 cars, hijacked buses, and assaulted law enforcers using stolen firearms.

Cabinet’s Unanimous Decision and the Way Forward

Following a consideration of the Punjab government’s advice and proof of violent behavior, the federal cabinet unanimously declared Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan a banned outfit. The move was made under Section 11B(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

The last step will be a reference to the Supreme Court, which will deliver a final judgment on the ban. In the meantime, the activities, rallies, and public demonstrations of the group are officially banned.

Authorities underline that this choice was taken in order to keep peace and safeguard citizens against another series of attacks. “The state will not be accepting of the exploitation of religion as an instrument of anarchy and terrorism,” an official spokesperson declared.

A Turning Point for National Stability

The government’s action to levy a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan is a turning point in Pakistan’s sustained drive to fight extremism. The move conveys a clear message that the state will not yield to violent pressure or take groups that are causing havoc to the country’s stability in the name of political activism.

As the matter goes to the Supreme Court, the nation waits anxiously to hear what comes next — a chapter that can potentially rewrite the state’s policy on religious extremism in Pakistan.

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