Lahore: Punjab’s Minister for Information, Uzma Bukhari, Friday announced that the provincial cabinet has approved a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). A formal summary has been forwarded to the federal government.
Addressing a press conference, Uzma Bukhari said that there was no justification for the recent protests by a religious party, especially after the Gaza ceasefire. “The world welcomed the Gaza peace agreement, yet they chose that very moment to call for violent demonstrations. Burning police and sanitation vehicles will not help the people of Gaza,” she remarked.
She stated that extremist elements have, for some time, been attempting to destabilize the system. “Certain groups use religion to create chaos. Who among us does not believe in the Prophet’s message? Yet these people exploit the Holy Prophet’s name to spread anarchy,” she added.
Bukhari revealed that millions in assets, petrol pumps, and large sums of cash have been recovered during recent operations. She confirmed that 1,648 police personnel were injured, 202 of them seriously, while 97 police vehicles were damaged during the unrest.
She emphasized that the Punjab government will not tolerate lawlessness. “Roads cannot be blocked under the pretext of protest. The public and the government have decided—such bloodshed will not be allowed again,” she asserted.
Uzma Bukhari praised the traders and transporters for rejecting the strike call, noting that all markets and transport services across Punjab remained open. “The business community stood by the government and refused to support the agitators,” she said.
She further announced new security measures: a complete ban on loudspeaker misuse, prohibition of arms display, and immediate suspension of new arms licenses. Those possessing illegal weapons must surrender them within a month, while legal arms holders are required to register them at service centers.
“Only the call for prayer will be allowed on loudspeakers,” she clarified, adding that Section 144 has been enforced across Punjab. Bank accounts of extremist groups have also been frozen.
Uzma Bukhari said, “It is the government’s responsibility to protect the lives and property of citizens. Those who wish to see Pakistan prosper should cooperate with the government, not those who spread chaos.”
