Pakistan Bans Hardline Group TLP After Deadly Violence; Shahbaz Sharif Cracks Down

Pakistan’s Shahbaz Sharif government re-imposed a ban on the extremist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. This strict decision follows recent violent protests which resulted in 16 deaths. TLP has a history of inciting unrest and faced a previous ban in 2021.

Sharif Government Takes Tough Action on TLP

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) recently created major problems for Shahbaz Sharif in Pakistan. The Sharif government has now taken a very tough stance against the TLP. The government has again banned the TLP using the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997.

This action came after violent TLP protests occurred recently. The protests tragically caused 16 deaths, including several police officers. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, approved the proposal. The Punjab government had recommended banning the TLP due to its violence and terrorist activities.

TLP Gets Banned Again

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a statement on the matter. It said the Cabinet “unanimously” approved the ban. Earlier, the Punjab government made the decision on October 16. The meeting was led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. This move came as the TLP started marching towards Islamabad. They called it a Gaza solidarity march. Their goal was to protest outside the US embassy.

History of Violence and Previous Ban

The TLP was established in 2016, according to the PMO. It has a long record of inciting nationwide violence and creating unrest. The government first banned the group in 2021. However, the restriction was lifted after six months. This was conditional on the party not engaging in violence again. The TLP has now broken that agreement. This triggered the decision to implement the new ban.

Added to Terror Watchlist

Following this ban, TLP will be listed among the banned groups. This is the list of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Other terror outfits are already on this list. These include Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) are also listed.

The federal government must send this decision to the Supreme Court. This must be done within 15 days, as per legal process. The Supreme Court’s confirmation is necessary. Only then can the TLP be officially declared a proscribed organization.