TLP updates: Punjab moves to ban TLP, orders seizure of assets over recent unrest | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- The Punjab government has officially banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following accusations of inciting violence and damaging public property.
- TLP's leadership will be placed under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and all the organization's properties and assets will be seized by the Auqaf Department.
- The government will block TLP's social media accounts, freeze its bank accounts, and prosecute those involved in violence in anti-terrorism courts.
- The Punjab Home Department initiated a drive against illegal weapons, giving citizens a one-month deadline to surrender or register arms, and banning new licenses.
- The punishment for possessing illegal arms has been significantly increased to 14 years imprisonment and a large fine, making it a non-bailable offense.
The Punjab government has taken the "extraordinary and historic measures" of banning Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and seizing all its properties due to accusations that the group incited violence and damaged public property during recent unrest. A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz agreed that TLP leadership would be placed under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and all assets, posters, and banners would be confiscated, while social media accounts and bank accounts would be frozen. Those involved in hate speech and provocation will face immediate arrest, and destruction of state property and killing of policemen will be prosecuted in anti-terrorism courts. Separately, the Punjab Home Department issued a one-month ultimatum for citizens to surrender illegal arms, banned new weapon licenses, and enhanced the punishment for possessing illegal arms to 14 years imprisonment. These steps are intended to restore state authority, curb militancy, and enforce the rule of law across the province.
