Punjab toughens stance as TLP strike fails

Bukhari defends move to ban religious party

LAHORE:

The Punjab government on Friday reaffirmed its decision to send a summary to the Centre recommending a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and announced stricter action against those spreading hate content online.

Titled "Punjab cabinet approves ban on TLP," a press release was issued to the media – apparently aimed at creating a misleading impression that the government had moved to suspend the operations of the province's third-largest vote-getting party, even though it holds no authority to impose such a ban.

The cabinet, which met on Wednesday, had ratified the move to forward a summary to the Centre seeking proscription of the TLP, a decision critics described as disproportionate, given the party's current state of disarray.

Around 4,000 TLP activists have already been detained across Punjab. Once known for paralysing life in central and upper Punjab with massive demonstrations, the group failed to mobilise significant numbers during its call for protests after Friday prayers.

Despite security alerts in Lahore, no major demonstrations materialised due to the police's aggressive crackdown.

Addressing a news conference at the DGPR, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari clarified that the decision was not directed against any religious sect, institution or belief, but rather against a group that had "promoted violence, extremism and public unrest under the guise of religion".

"The Punjab government has not taken action against any mosque or madrassa. Our decision is against those who spread chaos and impose their ideology through force," she said. "Religion cannot be used as a tool for anarchy. Pakistan can no longer afford violent protests in the name of faith."

Bukhari said the recent TLP demonstrations, allegedly held in solidarity with Gaza despite a ceasefire, had turned violent and resulted in significant damage and loss.

"As many as 1,648 Punjab Police personnel were injured during the violent protests, over 50 have been permanently disabled, 97 police vehicles were destroyed, and two were completely torched," she revealed.

She said the provincial government had begun the process of freezing the extremist group's bank and social media accounts, adding that there would be "zero tolerance" for hate speech, incitement or violent propaganda.

"Under the PECA Act, those spreading hate content online will face strict action," she said, adding that loudspeakers would now be used only for Azaan and religious sermons.

Bukhari further announced that the Punjab government had imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new arms licences and given one month to individuals holding illegal weapons to surrender them.

"After the deadline, action will be taken under terrorism charges," she warned. Legal firearm owners were required to register their weapons at police service centres, she added.

Highlighting the TLP's history of violent protests, Bukhari said the group had repeatedly attacked police, civilians, and state property over the past eight years.

"Based on this record, the organisation is being recommended for inclusion in the First Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997," she added.

Bukhari emphasised that while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was working daily to improve the lives of ordinary citizens, "some elements were plotting unrest and trying to disrupt peace in the province."

It is pertinent to mention that the issuance of arms licences has already been banned since April 2024, and there has been no change in that policy.