Punjab’s Azma Bokhari Hints at Imminent Decision on TLP Ban as Federal Cabinet Convenes
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Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has hinted that the federal cabinet will soon decide on banning Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), following recent violent protests across Punjab. The government has also suspended all arms licences to curb extremism and ensure law and order.
Introduction
In a decisive move toward curbing violent extremism, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced that the federal cabinet is set to deliberate on the Punjab government’s summary seeking a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Her remarks came during a press conference in Lahore on Thursday, where she confirmed that a final decision on the TLP’s future is “expected soon.” The announcement follows weeks of unrest and deadly protests that shook multiple cities across Punjab, leaving several people dead and hundreds injured.
Bokhari also revealed that Punjab will no longer issue arms licences of any kind, as the provincial government aims to make the province “free of weapons” and promote peace.
Background: Unrest and the TLP’s Recent Protests
Protests Turn Violent
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a far-right religious political group, recently launched a series of demonstrations across Punjab. The protests began as a show of solidarity with Palestine and the “liberation of Gaza,” but soon turned violent.
Protesters clashed with police, set vehicles ablaze, and attacked law enforcement officers. According to official data, at least 1,648 police personnel were injured, dozens of vehicles were torched, and private and government properties were destroyed.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Muridke, where confrontations between protesters and police led to the deaths of a police station house officer (SHO), three others including a passerby, and injuries to many more.
“Those who came out on the streets for Gaza ended up burning Pakistan’s property,” Azma Bokhari remarked during the press briefing, condemning the violent turn of events.
Government’s Response: A Zero-Tolerance Policy
Punjab Chief Minister’s Emergency Meeting
Following the violent protests, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired an extraordinary law and order meeting to address the growing threat of extremism. The meeting concluded with a firm directive to restore peace, enforce the rule of law, and protect public property.
“The state will not tolerate any group that takes up arms against it,” said Maryam Nawaz, emphasising that no political or religious agenda can justify violence.
The meeting authorized decisive action against extremists, endorsed the ban proposal on TLP, and announced several measures to strengthen law enforcement and intelligence operations across Punjab.
Ban on Arms Licences
One of the most significant policy decisions announced by Azma Bokhari was the complete suspension of new arms licences in Punjab.
“From now on, no arms licence of any kind will be issued,” Bokhari stated. “We must move toward a Punjab that is free of weapons.”
This measure, she said, is part of a broader strategy to reduce violence and discourage individuals and groups from resorting to armed confrontation.
Inside the Cabinet’s Expected Decision
The Summary Seeking a Ban on TLP
The Punjab Home Department had earlier forwarded a summary to the federal government seeking to proscribe the TLP under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
The summary cited evidence of TLP’s involvement in inciting violence, disrupting law and order, and endangering public safety. Officials claim that the group’s recent activities cross the legal threshold for terrorist designation, warranting a ban.
The federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is expected to review the proposal and issue a final decision. If approved, the move would mark the second time the TLP faces a formal ban — the first being in 2021 under similar circumstances.
The Legal Mechanism
Under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws, the federal government has the authority to declare any organization a proscribed entity if found involved in acts of terrorism or incitement.
Once the TLP is banned:
- Its financial accounts can be frozen.
- Public gatherings under its name will become illegal.
- Members and leaders can be placed on watchlists or arrested.
Legal experts note that the process requires cabinet approval, interior ministry notification, and formal listing by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
Escalating Crackdown on Extremism
New Security Measures Across Punjab
Following the Chief Minister’s directives, the provincial government has launched an extensive crackdown on extremist networks, unlicensed weapons, and hate-based propaganda.
Key measures include:
- Strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act to curb inflammatory sermons.
- Establishment of “whistleblower cells” in every district to report suspicious activity.
- Creation of a dedicated cell within the Punjab Police Helpline (15) to receive tips about extremist groups and illegal immigrants.
- Deployment of mobile police stations to improve accessibility in remote and conflict-prone areas.
- Ban on advertisements and posters promoting banned or extremist outfits.
Citizens have been urged to call 15 to report any activity that may threaten peace or national security.
Action Against Illegal Residents and Mafias
The government has also intensified operations against illegal foreign residents, corruption networks, and criminal mafias believed to be aiding extremist groups.
Property owners have been warned not to rent or lease premises to illegal residents or individuals under investigation. Failure to comply could result in arrests, fines, or property seizures.
Political and Public Reactions
Federal Ministers Back Punjab’s Stand
Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed Punjab’s tough stance, calling for the state to act as a “hard state” against extremism.
“Groups formed in the name of religion that challenge the constitution are unacceptable,” Asif stated. “The state will act strictly according to law, and no one will be above it.”
His comments reflect a growing consensus within the federal government that religious extremism must be confronted head-on, regardless of political consequences.
Divided Public Opinion
Public reaction, however, remains divided. Supporters of the government argue that the move is essential to protect lives and property, while others warn that banning religious parties risks further polarization.
Some political commentators note that the TLP retains a strong grassroots following, especially in urban Punjab, which could complicate enforcement efforts if the ban is approved.
TLP’s History of Confrontation
A Pattern of Violent Protests
Since its emergence in 2015, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan has repeatedly staged protests that have paralyzed major cities. Its rallies — often triggered by religious or geopolitical issues — have led to clashes, road blockades, and nationwide shutdowns.
In 2017, the group gained notoriety for the Faizabad sit-in, which disrupted Islamabad for weeks and ended after a controversial agreement brokered by the military.
In 2021, the group was briefly banned following violent demonstrations that left several policemen dead. The ban was lifted later after negotiations, but the recent resurgence of unrest has revived calls for permanent action.
What the Experts Say
Political analysts believe that Punjab’s latest recommendation for banning TLP signals a hardening of the state’s position on militant political outfits.
Security Analysts’ Perspective
Security expert Brig (R) Mehmood Shah said that the TLP’s activities have crossed the line between protest and insurgency.
“Peaceful dissent is a democratic right. But when protests involve weapons, arson, and killings, the state has a duty to act,” he said.
He added that the Punjab government’s arms licence suspension and intelligence measures are “necessary deterrents” in an increasingly volatile environment.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights advocates, however, warn that blanket bans can sometimes backfire by driving groups underground instead of addressing root causes.
Amna Niazi, a Lahore-based civil rights activist, noted:
“The government must ensure that actions are proportionate and legal. The long-term solution lies in education, dialogue, and reform — not just bans.”
The Bigger Picture: Restoring the Writ of the State
Balancing Security and Rights
The Punjab government’s latest decisions — from the TLP ban proposal to the arms licence freeze — underscore a renewed emphasis on state authority and rule of law.
Pakistan’s leadership appears intent on dismantling the culture of street pressure politics, where violent protests are used as leverage against the government.
Analysts say this approach, if sustained, could signal a turning point in Pakistan’s counter-extremism policy — shifting from reactionary responses to systemic prevention.
A Message of Stability
Punjab’s crackdown also sends a message to international partners concerned about Pakistan’s internal stability. By acting decisively against extremist elements, the government aims to reassure investors and allies that the state remains capable of upholding peace and constitutional order.
Conclusion
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari’s announcement signals a critical juncture in Pakistan’s fight against extremism. As the federal cabinet prepares to decide on the proposed ban on TLP, the government appears determined to assert state authority, restore public order, and protect citizens from violence.
The decision to suspend arms licences, create whistleblower cells, and enhance intelligence cooperation reflects a comprehensive policy shift — from reactive law enforcement to preventive governance.
Whether this marks a lasting solution or another cycle of confrontation will depend on how firmly and fairly the state enforces its policies. For now, the message from Lahore is unmistakable: the era of tolerance for violent extremism may finally be ending.
