PTBP Web Desk
Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari announced on Thursday that the federal cabinet is poised to make a final decision on banning Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) within hours. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Bokhari revealed that the upcoming cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, would determine the future of the religio-political organization that has long been under scrutiny for its violent protests and extremist actions.
According to Bokhari, the Punjab government has completed a detailed investigation into the party’s financial network, revealing that 3,600 financiers of TLP have been identified both within Pakistan and abroad. She said that donations collected in the name of religion were being sent directly to the homes of TLP leaders, bypassing formal channels and regulations.
“The TLP’s funding trail has been fully traced. Their bank accounts are frozen, and we have ensured that no new funding reaches them through any means,” Bokhari emphasized.
The Information Minister said that TLP chief Saad Rizvi and other leaders were directly involved in violent incidents during protests, leading to significant loss of public and private property. She appealed to parents to keep their children away from TLP’s activities, warning that those who participated in violent demonstrations could face terrorism charges.
Bokhari detailed that during recent TLP protests, police officers were attacked, vehicles were snatched, and public properties were set on fire. The provincial government, she said, has compiled a list of all financiers and coordinated with federal authorities to ensure a complete financial shutdown of the group.
She condemned the use of religious and humanitarian causes—particularly the Gaza and Palestine issue—as a pretext for violent protests. “Those who damage property in the name of Gaza freedom are not serving any cause. The state cannot be challenged, and the federation will soon decide the fate of this extremist organization,” she warned.
Bokhari reaffirmed that the Punjab government stood firmly with the federal government’s upcoming decision and would take all necessary steps to implement it.
The minister also announced a province-wide crackdown on unlicensed arms. She confirmed that no new arms licences would be issued in Punjab as part of a broader campaign to make the province arms-free. Out of 511 arms dealers who had applied for licence validation, documents of 90 dealers were still under review.
She further revealed that authorities were gathering information about illegal residents in Punjab, many of whom were living without proper documentation. “Those residing illegally must return to their home countries. Arrests will be made soon,” she added.
Federal Information Minister Talal Chaudhry also confirmed that the federal government was reviewing a reference submitted by the Punjab government regarding a potential ban on TLP.
Azma Zahid Bokhari stated that terrorism cases would be registered against anyone attempting to close markets, stop public transport, or incite violence. A complete ban has been imposed on TLP posters, publicity campaigns, and advertisements in public spaces.
She also disclosed that weapons stolen from police during TLP protests in 2021 were later used again in violent demonstrations in 2025. “The culprits targeted government vehicles and even seized private cars belonging to citizens. We have now blocked 75 provocative social media links that promoted hate or violence,” she said.
The provincial minister highlighted that daily reports were being compiled regarding violations of the Loudspeaker Act. She said that the use of loudspeakers would now be strictly limited to Friday sermons and Azan, and any deviation would be met with legal action.
“No one will be allowed to disturb the peace of Punjab. The prosecution cell is closely monitoring all activities, and strict action will follow if anyone tries to take the law into their own hands,” Bokhari said.
Bokhari added that shops of unlicensed arms dealers have been sealed across Punjab. She said that in many past incidents, criminals had surrounded police personnel and snatched weapons and vehicles. “The Punjab government will ensure that no such incidents happen again,” she assured.
The minister shared detailed statistics, stating that 37,918 arms licences were registered with security companies, while more than 42,000 licences were held by various institutions. Individuals possessing arms licences have been instructed to register them at service centres to maintain updated records and ensure accountability.
Azma Zahid Bokhari concluded the press conference by reaffirming the Punjab government’s commitment to maintaining law and order. She said that the government would not tolerate any organization or group that attempts to destabilize peace under the guise of religious protest.
“Punjab’s peace is non-negotiable. Those who challenge the writ of the state will face the full force of the law,” Bokhari asserted.
The government’s crackdown on TLP funding, publicity, and illegal arms marks one of the toughest measures yet taken against the group since its formation. With the federal cabinet’s decision expected within hours, all eyes are now on Islamabad as Pakistan prepares for a potential ban on one of its most controversial religious-political movements.
