Islamabad: Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior on Friday formally issued a notification declaring the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) a banned organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), following federal cabinet approval of the move a day earlier.
According to the notification, the federal government believes TLP is involved in acts of terrorism, and has accordingly directed its inclusion in the First Schedule of banned outfits under the ATA.
The decision was approved on Thursday evening during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Officials briefed the cabinet that the group, founded in 2016, had incited unrest and violent protests across the country in recent years, resulting in the deaths of security personnel and innocent bystanders.
Interior Ministry sources said TLP faces allegations of challenging the writ of the state, engaging in arson, vandalism, and violent demonstrations, and promoting sectarian divisions. Several criminal cases, including those involving attacks on police officers, have been registered against the group.
Will not seek Supreme Court’s approval for the ban; MOI Official
A senior Interior Ministry official clarified that the government will not seek Supreme Court approval for the ban, as the Anti-Terrorism Act provides sufficient legal authority to proscribe an organization without judicial endorsement. The official further noted that the restriction was not imposed under Article 17 of the Constitution, which pertains to the right of association.
The move marks one of the most significant crackdowns in recent years against TLP, which has staged multiple nationwide protests disrupting transport, damaging property, and clashing with law enforcement agencies.
