Ban on TLP expected soon: Uzma Bukhari

WEB DESK: Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari on Thursday said that a decision to ban the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) is expected soon, following a wave of violent protests and property damage across the province. She said that while TLP activists were “roaming freely and creating panic among citizens,” the government had now decided to act decisively to restore order.

Bukhari accused TLP workers of vandalising public and private property, looting shops, and even snatching vehicles from citizens during recent demonstrations. “The so-called spoils of war they collected are known to everyone,” she remarked, adding that the group’s actions had disrupted peace and security in Punjab. Earlier, Muridke police registered three more FIRs against TLP chief Hafiz Saad Rizvi, his brother Anas Rizvi, members of the party’s consultative council, and several protesters for October protests in Punjab as the members tried to enter Islamabad.

She confirmed that Section 144 remains enforced across the province, making any unauthorised public gathering illegal. Those found carrying unlicensed weapons or organising armed groups would face strict action, she warned. “No one will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state,” she said.

Bukhari also revealed that the government had intensified its crackdown on illegal arms, with 28 arms dealers’ licenses cancelled and several unlicensed shops sealed. “Over one million people in Punjab currently hold weapons, and more than 42,000 licenses are registered under various institutions,” she said, reiterating that no new licenses will be issued.

The minister further disclosed that 559 TLP activists are currently under physical remand, while CCTV footage damaged by the group in an attempt to destroy evidence is being recovered. She said a special prosecution cell is pursuing the cases.

Bukhari added that operations were also underway against illegally residing Afghan nationals, warning citizens not to provide them with housing or business premises. She said anyone trying to forcibly impose a strike would face terrorism charges.

“Our message is clear,” Bukhari concluded. “We will take every possible step to ensure peace in Punjab — no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.”