Pakistan Bans TLP After Deadly Riots, Signalling A Hard Reset On Religious Extremism | Exclusive Details

Last Updated:October 23, 2025, 20:55 IST

The immediate catalyst for the renewed government action was the TLP’s massive protest march—dubbed the 'Gaza solidarity' march

In response to the widespread violence, the Punjab Provincial Government sent a formal recommendation to the federal authorities to impose a ban on the TLP. Representational pic/AFP

The Federal Government of Pakistan has moved to officially ban the religious political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following a wave of violent protests, riots, and incitement of hatred across the Punjab province in early October 2025. This decision, spearheaded by the provincial government, marks one of the most decisive crackdowns against the hardline group, which has a notorious history of challenging the state’s authority through street power.

The immediate catalyst for the renewed government action was the TLP’s massive protest march—dubbed the “Gaza solidarity" march—which began on October 10 from Lahore with the stated goal of reaching the US Embassy in Islamabad. The group was protesting a recent US-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, which TLP leadership, including Saad Hussain Rizvi, publicly denounced as a “conspiracy" and a betrayal of the Palestinian people. The government viewed the protests as an attempt to undermine Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts on the international stage and create internal chaos.

Escalation of Violence and Government Response

The protests quickly descended into violent riots, with TLP workers clashing fiercely with law enforcement, particularly at Muridke, roughly 60 km from Lahore. The clashes saw protestors hurling stones, seizing vehicles, and breaching barricades. The Muridke operation by the Punjab Police and Rangers resulted in a tragic loss of life, with official figures reporting casualties including policemen and TLP workers. Multiple reports confirmed that at least one Station House Officer (SHO) was killed during the violence. The Punjab Police reported over 1,600 policemen were injured and dozens were permanently disabled due to the TLP’s attacks, highlighting the group’s brutal tactics.

In response to the widespread violence, the Punjab Provincial Government sent a formal recommendation to the federal authorities to impose a ban on the TLP. The government’s charge sheet against the TLP included its persistent involvement in violent demonstrations, attacks on police and civilians, destruction of public property, and the use of hate speech and incitement to religious hatred.

Legal and Enforcement Action

The government’s crackdown is multifaceted, designed to dismantle the TLP’s structure and resources systematically. Key actions approved include:

Federal Ban Approval: The Federal Government has approved the ban, allowing for the potential proscription of the party under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

Targeting Leadership and Financiers: TLP’s leadership is being placed in the Fourth Schedule of the ATA, a list of individuals suspected of terrorism and sectarianism, which restricts their movement and activities. The government has also identified and moved to freeze the bank accounts and assets of over 3,800 TLP financiers.

Mass Arrests and Trials: Law enforcement conducted major operations against TLP workers and leaders, resulting in the arrest of over 5,500 people across Punjab. Those involved in the killings of police officers and damage to state property will be tried in anti-terrorism courts.

Seizure of Assets: All properties and assets of the extremist party are to be handed over to the Punjab Auqaf Department, and there will be a complete ban on the party’s posters, banners, and advertisements. The government has also sealed over 60 mosques and seminaries affiliated with the party.

This decisive action, the third attempt in recent years to proscribe the TLP, signifies a determined shift by the state to restore the “writ of the state" against radical elements that have historically leveraged religious sentiment for political and violent ends.

News world Pakistan Bans TLP After Deadly Riots, Signalling A Hard Reset On Religious Extremism | Exclusive Details

Read More