LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a high-level meeting on law and order on Thursday during which the Punjab government decided to request the federal government to impose a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The authorities concerned briefed the meeting that individuals involved in hate speech, incitement of violence and lawlessness in Punjab would be arrested immediately. They also informed the meeting that cases against the leaders and workers involved in the martyrdom of police officers and destruction of public property would be tried in anti-terrorism courts (ATCs).
It was further stated that the leadership of TLP would be placed in Schedule-IV of the Anti-Terrorism Act, while their properties and assets would be handed over to the Auqaf Department. A complete ban would also be imposed on TLP’s posters, banners, and advertisements. Additionally, its social media accounts spreading hatred would be blocked, and all its bank accounts would be frozen. The meeting also decided to take stern action against any violation of the Loudspeaker Act.
The chief minister was further briefed that the Punjab government would compile real-time data of illegal Afghan nationals to bring them into the tax net. A “whistleblower system” would also be introduced for reporting illegal immigrants, ensuring complete confidentiality of informant’s identity. It was decided that the relevant authorities would conduct a combing operation against illegal residents and their businesses across the province.
The authorities also informed the meeting that illegal foreign nationals would be deported immediately in accordance with the federal government’s policy. It was further decided that the departments concerned would ensure the immediate recovery of all illegal weapons across Punjab. The Home Department has already issued a one-month ultimatum for citizens to surrender illegal arms and register licensed weapons through khidmat centers.
The provincial government also decided to inspect the stocks of all arms dealers and impose a complete ban on the issuance of new arms licenses in the province. The relevant authorities would recommend to the federal government to regularise arms factories and manufacturers. Stern punishment — up to 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs2 million — was approved for possessing illegal weapons, making it a non-bailable offence.
The Punjab government has decided to register a case under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for allegedly posting provocative and misleading statements on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Officials stated that the government will not tolerate incitement to violence or the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, warning that similar legal action will be taken against anyone found promoting hatred or false narratives online.
Meanwhile, following recent protests by TLP, the police have intensified their crackdown across Punjab, arresting over 3,400 suspects, including 326 from Lahore. According to police sources, those detained are allegedly involved in violent demonstrations, vandalism, and incitement during the recent unrest. The suspects have been classified into A, B, and C categories to facilitate a more targeted and effective investigation process.
Police officials said the arrests are being made in accordance with lists prepared on the basis of video and CCTV footage, which are being used to identify individuals responsible for damaging public property and attacking law enforcement personnel.
District-wise data shows that 217 suspects were arrested in Sheikhupura, 210 in Mandi Bahauddin, 190 in Rawalpindi, 180 in Faisalabad, 160 in Gujranwala, 156 in Attock, and 150 in Sialkot.
Across Punjab, 76 criminal cases have been registered against the arrested individuals — 39 of them in Lahore alone, followed by 8 in Sheikhupura.
Police further revealed that more than 250 police officers and personnel were injured as a result of stone-pelting and attacks by protesters. Raids are continuing in multiple districts to apprehend the remaining suspects and restore complete order.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad district administration sealed the offices of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following the recent wave of violent protests orchestrated by the politico-religious party, sources told Geo News on Thursday.
The sources said that TLP’s offices in Barakahu, Sowan and other areas of the federal capital were sealed by the district authorities.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) had committed vandalism and arson in the guise of protest which is not acceptable at any cost.
Addressing the media, the minister questioned the TLP’s decision to resort to violence and property damage. “Does any organisation have a right to come out on the street and damage public and private property when the whole world is celebrating peace in Gaza,” he asked.
The whole world witnessed the protests for peace in Palestine as thousands of people took to the streets in London, Italy and Australia in a peaceful manner, but in Pakistan, the TLP mobilised with guns, daggers and ammunition, said the minister who was flanked by Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Naqvi, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf. Atta Tarar said the TLP’s conduct exposed an orchestrated plan to disrupt law and order. Highlighting the tragic loss of lives, the minister asked what the fault of the inspector was who got martyred because of their firing. “No religion or constitution allows the killing of police officials,” he said.
The minister said the TLP raised the slogans that demonstrate their love for the Holy Prophet (SAW), but their actions of killing the people negate the teachings of our Holy Prophet (SAW).
The minister said police officials also had families who prayed for their protection when they left their homes for discharge of official duties.
He cited the Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent large-scale, yet peaceful, protests as an example of how citizens can exercise their constitutional right to protest. The Constitution does not only grant the right to protest but also imposes certain conditions for exercising this right.
The minister said it seemed that the TLP held the violent protests to impose their will because the Gaza peace was being celebrated worldwide.
He highlighted the government’s diplomatic efforts, stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the Palestinians at every forum, including at a recent international gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh where Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed gratitude to the PM and people of Pakistan for supporting Palestinian brothers and sisters in every way.
Tarar said the successful diplomatic efforts for peace were met with tears of joy from residents of Gaza, the West Bank, and Rafah as they celebrated the end of oppression.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that negotiations with the TLP continued until the last minute, with their conditions increasing each time.
Mohsin Naqvi said that negotiations continued before the departure of TLP processions until the last minute. The TLP’s senior officials would themselves say that negotiations took place. Each time they were told to go back, their conditions were increasing.
Mohsin Naqvi said that someone should ask the TLP whether its conditions were for Palestine and if TLP rally was for Palestine or for the release of some people.
The interior minister said that action was taken against the violent and armed people that day. The operation was carried out only against those who committed violence. Those who cleared the roads deserved praise.
The armed group had taken positions on the minarets of houses and mosques. Except for the TLP activists, no action will be taken against any madrasa or scholars. He said that a day of thanksgiving will be celebrated on Friday (today) and no protest will be held and no religious group or scholars will be allowed to be harassed.
