Pak moves to ban Islamist group TLP, freeze its bank accounts, block social media

Punjab's government has moved decisively to curb Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), calling the Islamist party an "extremist outfit" and recommending a federal ban on the country's third-largest religious party.

The decision, taken during a high-level law and order meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz, includes seizing all TLP properties, freezing its bank accounts, blocking its posters, banners, and social media, and placing party leaders under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Authorities have also begun targeting undocumented Afghans and illegal arms as part of the crackdown, marking the toughest action yet against a party once backed by elements within the establishment.

The move comes after violent clashes between TLP protesters and law enforcement in Muridke, where security forces used baton charges and tear gas as the group, led by party chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, pressed on from Lahore.

Pakistan Rangers reportedly engaged with protesters using sophisticated weapons, while the TLP reportedly resisted police blockades. According to Punjab Police, at least three protesters and one police officer were killed, with dozens more injured. However, local media and eyewitness accounts suggested the actual death toll could be significantly higher.

Punjab Police said on X that when the dispersal operation began, TLP workers resorted to stone-pelting, spiked batons, and petrol bombs, followed by indiscriminate firing, resulting in loss of life among civilians and law enforcement personnel.

The TLP leadership has shown no sign of backing down. The unrest follows a week of escalating tension in Punjab, including violent clashes in Lahore as police tried to prevent the TLP from advancing toward Islamabad for a pro-Palestinian rally.

The group accused police of indiscriminate firing, claiming 11 of its members were killed and more than 50 injured. A viral video captured the sounds of gunfire, with a TLP leader stating: "11 TLP people have been killed since the morning. Continuous shelling and firing is happening."

The protests began on October 9 over Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and intensified on October 11, with police using tear gas and baton charges and demonstrators retaliating with stones.

Rizvi reportedly told protesters during Friday prayers in Lahore: "Arrest is not a problem, bullets are not a problem, shells are not a problem-martyrdom is our destiny."

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Minister Talal Chaudhry condemned the TLP for exploiting the Gaza crisis for political gain, reaffirming that the government would not tolerate violence or coercion by any organization.

Authorities have detained roughly 170 individuals linked to the TLP in Sahiwal division under the Maintenance of Public Order. Large police contingents from four districts prevented TLP supporters from advancing beyond Muridke, where they had held a sit-in after authorities dug extensive trenches to block access routes.

Mobile data services were partially restored in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as negotiations with TLP leadership continue.

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