LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has announced that the government is moving towards imposing a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), warning that any forced shutdowns of businesses or transport in the name of strikes will not be tolerated.
Speaking at a press conference, Bukhari said that shopkeepers, traders, and transporters cannot be compelled to close their operations. She added that anyone attempting to enforce a strike or disrupt transport services will face police action, including terrorism charges and the registration of FIRs.
Bukhari alleged that funds collected through donations were reaching the homes of TLP leaders, claiming that Saad Rizvi and other party officials were involved in violent activities. She urged parents to keep their children away from TLP’s demonstrations, warning that participants in violent protests could face terrorism cases.
The minister said that the group’s bank accounts have been frozen and that authorities have compiled a list of those who financed the organization. “No funding is being received by this group anymore,” she said, adding that police officers were attacked and official vehicles were snatched during recent protests.
Bukhari accused the protesters of damaging public property and setting vehicles on fire, saying that those who took to the streets under the banner of supporting Gaza and Palestine ended up causing destruction instead. “If they try again, my advice is: don’t. They cannot fight the state,” she warned, adding that the federal government will soon decide the fate of this extremist organization.
She reaffirmed that Punjab will no longer issue arms licenses, emphasizing the province’s commitment to becoming weapons-free. According to her, 511 arms dealers have applied for license verification, while scrutiny of 90 dealers’ documents is still underway.
Bukhari also announced a complete ban on the promotion of extremist groups across Punjab. “Posters and wall chalking related to such groups are being removed,” she said, clarifying that no mosque has been closed and that Friday prayers will proceed as usual. She warned that any attempt to incite violence will be met with firm legal action.
Highlighting initiatives by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Bukhari said that mobile police stations have been launched to provide citizens with quick access to justice. Peace committees across the province are also being reactivated to maintain law and order at the community level.
The minister revealed that combing operations are underway in various districts against illegal Afghan residents, with special centers being established for their respectful relocation. She noted that many undocumented foreigners run businesses without paying taxes and warned that renting out property to illegal immigrants is a punishable offense.
Concluding her remarks, Bukhari said that those challenging the authority of the state must realize that the Constitution and the law stand above all. She reiterated that the government will take indiscriminate action against anyone threatening public safety, stressing that no one will be allowed to disrupt the daily lives of citizens.
