Punjab govt freezes assets of banned TLP

The PML-N led Punjab government has ordered the freezing of properties and assets belonging to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

According to reports, the Punjab Home Department has issued directives to freeze all properties and assets registered in the name of the party across the province. A detailed report on the frozen assets will be submitted to the Home Department.

This decision was made in a meeting of a cabinet sub-committee chaired by Khawaja Salman Rafique. Later, Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi instructed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to implement the orders.

Official letters have also been sent to the Board of Revenue, the secretaries of housing and cooperative departments and other relevant authorities.

On October 24, the Ministry of Interior issued a notification declaring the TLP a proscribed organisation and placing it in the First Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997.

The interior ministry's notification stated that the federal government considers the TLP involved in acts of terrorism, and under Section 11B(1A) of the ATA, it is being declared banned and included in the First Schedule.

Groups placed on the First Schedule face complete restrictions on their activities, including opening offices, holding rallies, or participating in any public event. Their funds and bank accounts are frozen, and fundraising or financial assistance is prohibited.

Leaders and active members may face travel bans, while their media coverage and social media activity are also barred. Authorities can monitor such individuals by placing them in the Fourth Schedule to track their movements. Even rebranding under a new name is deemed illegal, and continuing activities under any name may lead to terrorism charges.