Federal Cabinet Approves Ban on TLP Group

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), following a detailed briefing from the Interior Ministry. This decision comes after the Punjab government officially recommended the move, citing TLP’s involvement in violent protests, attacks on law enforcement agencies, and acts of arson.

The Interior Ministry provided cabinet members with a comprehensive summary from the Punjab government, which detailed serious allegations against TLP, including incitement to unrest, undermining the authority of the state, fostering sectarian divisions, and causing extensive damage to both public and private properties.

The cabinet has instructed the Interior Ministry to finalize the legal procedures to enforce the ban. In addition, a formal reference will be forwarded to the Supreme Court within 15 days to legitimize the ban, giving TLP the opportunity to present its defense.

TLP Protest History:
On October 16, 2025, Punjab police released a report summarizing the casualties and damages resulting from TLP-led protests over the past nine years (2016-2025). According to the report, 11 police officers lost their lives and 1,648 others were injured during these protests.

The injuries included 69 officers who were permanently disabled, 202 who sustained serious injuries, and 1,194 who were lightly injured. Furthermore, 16 civilians were killed and 54 injured in violent clashes between the protesters and law enforcement agencies.

The protests also resulted in significant material damage, including the destruction of 97 police vehicles, with two set on fire, and severe damage to 10 police buildings.

In total, 305 cases have been registered under anti-terrorism laws, with an additional 480 cases under various criminal charges against TLP protesters. In the latest round of protests, 1,529 individuals were named in cases, while over 17,800 unidentified persons were booked for their involvement in the violence.

Read More:Punjab Moves to Ban TLP, Plans Arrest of Rizvi Brothers

Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari announced on Thursday that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi and his brother Anas Rizvi are expected to be taken into custody soon, accusing them of using human shields to avoid arrest.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari said the provincial cabinet has approved a proposal to ban TLP and forwarded the summary to the federal government for final approval.