Islamabad, October 24, 2025 — Pakistan’s government has officially banned the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act following violent clashes between its supporters and police in Punjab. The decision marks a decisive step by authorities to curb extremism and restore public order amid growing unrest linked to the party’s confrontational street politics.
Federal Cabinet Approves Ban
The interior ministry announced the ban after the federal cabinet unanimously approved the move. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting where the ministry presented a summary from the Punjab government seeking to proscribe TLP. Officials briefed the cabinet about the party’s “violent and terrorist” activities across the country, emphasizing the need for swift action.
According to the official notification, the federal government has sufficient grounds to believe that TLP is involved in terrorism. Using powers under Section 11B(1)(a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the ministry declared the group a proscribed organization. The government said this action aims to prevent future violent incidents and ensure the safety of citizens and law enforcement personnel.
Clashes Sparked Nationwide Concern
The decision follows deadly clashes earlier this month between TLP activists and police on the outskirts of Lahore. Thousands of supporters had gathered to march toward Islamabad in a demonstration they claimed was in solidarity with Gaza.
Violence erupted when protesters attempted to remove police barricades made of shipping containers blocking their route. The confrontation left at least five people dead, including two policemen, and injured more than 100 officers and several demonstrators. Authorities described the situation as a serious threat to law and order in Punjab, prompting an urgent government response.
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Punjab’s Swift Move
Following the violence, the Punjab government formally recommended the ban. Provincial officials sent the proposal to the federal level for enforcement, citing public safety and the need to prevent further escalation. The province’s decision came after days of intense clashes and disruptions that paralyzed major routes leading to the capital.
Security forces maintained high alert as police faced repeated attacks from demonstrators armed with batons, rocks, and firearms. Officials stated that the protesters were determined to stage a pro-Palestinian rally outside the US Embassy in Islamabad despite multiple police warnings.
Hunt for TLP Leadership
Law enforcement agencies have launched a search for TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, who reportedly went into hiding after the October 13 violence. Authorities allege that Rizvi and other party leaders instigated the clashes and failed to cooperate with security officials during negotiations to disperse the crowd peacefully.
Police raids are ongoing in several cities to track down Rizvi and senior TLP organizers. Officials warned that any attempts to regroup or mobilize protests would be met with firm resistance under the new legal restrictions.
Not the First Ban
This is not the first time the Pakistani government has banned TLP. The group was outlawed in April 2021 under the same Anti-Terrorism Act after staging violent protests against France over blasphemy issues. That unrest left several police officers dead and caused widespread property damage.
However, the ban was lifted later in November 2021 following negotiations between the government and TLP leadership. The decision allowed the party to rejoin mainstream politics and participate in elections — a move critics now say emboldened the group’s confrontational approach.
TLP’s Political and Religious Roots
Formed in 2015 by the late cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, TLP has grown into one of Pakistan’s most controversial religio-political movements. The party draws support from followers of the Barelvi school of thought, a sect known for its devotion to the Prophet Muhammad but firm stance on blasphemy issues.
Khadim Rizvi rose to prominence after defending Mumtaz Qadri, the bodyguard who assassinated Punjab Governor Salman Taseer in 2011. The execution of Qadri in 2016 triggered mass protests led by Rizvi, setting the stage for TLP’s political emergence.
Since then, the party has used street power as its main political weapon. Its demonstrations often paralyze major cities, with clashes between supporters and law enforcement becoming a recurring pattern.
Influence in Electoral Politics
Despite its reputation for unrest, TLP has achieved significant electoral gains. In the 2018 general elections, it secured 2.2 million votes and two provincial assembly seats in Sindh. The party also became the third-largest political force in Punjab, trailing behind Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Recent data from Gallup Pakistan shows TLP’s popularity has grown. In the 2024 elections, it received over 2.89 million votes — an increase of 760,000 compared to 2018. Analysts attribute this rise to the party’s populist rhetoric and its ability to mobilize large segments of conservative voters dissatisfied with mainstream parties.
Government’s Firm Stand
The latest ban signals a tougher stance by the government against extremist movements. Officials insist that no political or religious group will be allowed to challenge state authority through violence. Interior ministry representatives emphasized that peace and stability remain top national priorities.
Security operations continue across Punjab and other regions to prevent further mobilization by TLP supporters. Authorities say they will maintain strict vigilance to ensure compliance with the ban and prevent the spread of extremist propaganda.
As Pakistan faces increasing political and sectarian tensions, the decision to outlaw TLP once again underscores the state’s struggle to balance religious sensitivities with law enforcement and national security.
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