Crackdown on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan Amid Rising Tensions

The Punjab government has intensified its crackdown on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following violent protests that erupted during a planned demonstration in solidarity with Gaza. The protests, which began on October 13, 2025, in Muridke, resulted in clashes between TLP supporters and law enforcement agencies, leading to injuries among police personnel and the death of a station house officer. In response, the Punjab cabinet has approved a recommendation to the federal government for a complete ban on the TLP, marking the second such attempt in the party's history.

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In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government decided to place TLP leaders under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which restricts their movements and activities. The crackdown has involved sealing TLP offices, mosques, and seminaries across Punjab, with authorities citing credible intelligence reports indicating a serious threat to public peace. The Punjab Police have reported over 3,400 arrests of TLP activists, with 305 cases registered under terrorism-related charges.

Express TribunePunjab Seeks Federal Ban on TLP Across ProvinceDawnDawnCabinet-approved summary sent to Centre for ‘final decision’ on TLP ban: AzmaPunjab considers ban on TLP as Section 144 extended across province amid ‘sweeping crackdown’

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated, “The state can’t allow paralysis in the name of religion anymore,” emphasizing that the government’s actions are not against any religious group but specifically target those inciting violence. She criticized the TLP for its violent protests, questioning, “Did burning police vehicles solve the Gaza issue?” The government has also imposed Section 144 across the province, banning all public gatherings and demonstrations.

Punjab approves ban on TLP over protest violenceCabinet-approved summary sent to Centre for ‘final decision’ on TLP ban: AzmaPunjab moves to ban TLP over violent protestsSummary for ban on TLP sent to Centre after Punjab cabinet's approvalPunjab Seeks Federal Ban on TLP Across ProvincePunjab Cabinet Approves TLP Ban After Violent Protests Injure Over 1,600 Police PersonnelPunjab considers ban on TLP as Section 144 extended across province amid ‘sweeping crackdown’

Critics of the crackdown, including members of the Sunni Ittehad Council, have expressed concerns that the government's actions could further radicalize the Barelvi community. Sahibzada Hamid Raza, a leader of the council, warned that the state’s approach could lead to the emergence of more militant factions within the Barelvi school of thought. He questioned the rationale behind sealing mosques and madressahs associated with non-TLP factions, fearing that such actions could be perceived as targeting the entire Barelvi community.

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While the government claims that the crackdown is necessary to maintain public order, reports from TLP supporters allege that the police response was excessively violent, with claims of fatalities among TLP members during the Muridke operation. The TLP has called for a judicial inquiry into these incidents, highlighting a significant gap between the government narrative and the claims made by the party.

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The federal government will review the Punjab cabinet's recommendation for a ban on the TLP. If approved, this could lead to a nationwide prohibition of the party, further escalating tensions in the region. Additionally, the Lahore High Court is set to hear petitions from the TLP regarding the return of bodies of its members allegedly killed during the crackdown.

Punjab Seeks Federal Ban on TLP Across Province

• “Did burning police vehicles solve the Gaza issue?” — Azma Bokhari, Punjab Information Minister

Summary for ban on TLP sent to Centre after Punjab cabinet's approval

• “Mr Naqvi said, “The TLP leadership has been deceiving the nation from the very beginning.” — Mohsin Naqvi, Interior Minister

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The situation remains fluid, with heightened security measures in place across Punjab as authorities prepare for potential further unrest.

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