The looming ban

It is a déjà vu moment for TLP as it is once again on the verge of being proscribed by the state. Several attempts in yesteryears were also made to outlaw the religio-political party, but politics of exigency saved it from the guillotine. Known for its fire-spitting brand of public campaigns, the party has time and again crossed swords with state authorities, even though its birth is attributed to the forces of status quo. In the years 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022, the party went on a vandalising spree while hitting the streets. Scenes of lawlessness, especially in Rawalpindi and Lahore, are still fresh in the memories, and the same was reenacted last week as it called for a march on the capital to protest against Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

However, the Punjab government's recommendation to the Federation to ban TLP is no solution, as the tendency of banning parties has almost always backfired. The banned entities rather succeed in galvanising more sympathies for their cause, besides expanding their vote bank. ANP, MQM, PTM and many other sectarian outfits are cases in point, as all of them are alive and kicking.

TLP, with its charismatic leadership, has a following of its own. It has been an impressive political element at the polls too. The party bagged a total of 2.89 million votes in the 2024 general election, with 2.42 million being cast in Punjab alone. Moreover, besides having the power and charisma to pull the masses, it also enjoys sympathies of other religious parties – something that comes handy as party members seek to play to the gallery in the context of Palestine and Kashmir.

The submission from Punjab to ban TLP and place its leadership in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act is ill-advised. That will not take the steam out of it. At the same time, the TLP must mend its ways and reform itself as an organic political entity and not as a gang of hooligans. The revulsion that has been rolling out since last week's protest can be better addressed by conducting a judicial inquiry into excesses committed from both sides, and making the TLP rogue elements face retribution.