The Punjab government has forwarded a summary to the federal government, formally requesting a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). This action comes in response to a new call for protests by the religious party, following recent violent demonstrations in the province that resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
This measure is intended to reestablish public order and assert state authority and the rule of law, after last week’s confrontations between TLP supporters and law enforcement agencies in Muridke and other urban centers. The clashes were triggered when police cleared a TLP protest encampment in Muridke, leading to confrontations that resulted in the death of a police Station House Officer (SHO) and three other individuals, one of whom was a bystander.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari reported that at least 1,648 police officers sustained injuries, with some being hit by gunfire. Additionally, dozens of public and private vehicles were set ablaze, and commercial properties were vandalized.
In anticipation of a fresh protest call for today, police forces across Punjab have been placed on high alert to manage any potential disturbances. Authorities have stated that no person or organization will be allowed to circumvent the legal process.
Inspector General of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, reaffirmed the police’s dedication to maintaining peace and legal order. “Strict and indiscriminate action will be taken against anyone who violates the law,” he declared in a statement on X. He added that Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings of four or more people, would be rigorously enforced throughout the province to safeguard lives and property.
Media accounts indicate the protest call was issued by the head of TLP’s Balochistan chapter, who asked supporters to assemble at Lahore’s Data Darbar after Friday prayers.
According to reports, intelligence estimates warned of potential efforts by party activists to provoke violence and instigate widespread disorder following the protest announcement, leading authorities to initiate a comprehensive crackdown across the province. This response was fueled by escalating concerns in the wake of recent violent incidents involving TLP protesters in Muridke.
In a related development, another organization, Tanzeemat-i-Ahle Sunnat, which is not connected to the TLP, was also reported to have planned a protest, demanding a judicial investigation into Monday’s pre-dawn police operation in Muridke that sparked violent clashes and led to multiple arrests. However, the group’s leadership has subsequently released statements disavowing any calls for a strike or protest.
Spokesperson Muhammad Akram Rizvi stated that Tanzeemat-i-Ahle Sunnat had not advocated for a shutter-down strike or transport blockade. “We are peaceful people and will not take the law into our own hands,” he said, appealing to the government to settle issues through discussion, which he termed “the only solution.”
Similarly, Maulana Muhammad Ali Naqshbandi, representing Namus-e-Risalat Mahaz, also denied making any strike or protest announcements, confirming that their group had likewise not called for a shutdown.
In response to these events, security operations were scaled up in major urban centers. Police confirmed an ongoing crackdown in Lahore, where 624 individuals connected to the recent violent TLP protests have been arrested to date.
Province-wide, the aggregate number of arrests has climbed to roughly 5,100, as per police data. Raids continued in different parts of Lahore as part of the effort to disrupt the party’s mobilization plans.
Security was especially stringent in the provincial capital. During the morning, several major arteries leading to Data Darbar—such as roads from Azadi Chowk, Bhati Gate, and Urdu Bazaar—were barricaded with containers and barbed wire.
A significant police force was stationed near Data Darbar and the District Katchery roundabout. Commercial establishments along Data Darbar Road were shuttered, and entry to the shrine for pedestrians was restricted to the Central Model School side. However, by early afternoon, all routes in the vicinity had been restored following Friday prayers, with barricades and containers removed, allowing traffic and business operations to return to normal.
Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana issued a stern warning, asserting that law enforcement would confront any disruptive forces with unwavering resolve. “No one will be allowed to misuse the protest cover for unlawful activities,” he stated.
Kamyana cautioned that measures would be enacted against any efforts to block roads, close shops, or disrupt transport services. “Ensuring the protection of life, property and businesses of citizens is our responsibility,” he said, confirming that all markets and commercial centers would operate as usual.
In Rawalpindi, security was noticeably reinforced at crucial sites such as Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh, and Faizabad, with extra police units deployed. Officials verified that Section 144 was actively imposed across all districts of the Rawalpindi Division. Despite the heightened alert status, the connecting roads between Rawalpindi and Islamabad stayed open, and police reported that traffic flow on main roads was smooth.
Preemptive transport measures were also implemented in Lahore. The Punjab Transport Department announced a partial suspension of metro bus services in the city, restricting operations to the route between Gajjumata and MAO College. Service from MAO College to Shahdara was discontinued. Two stations on the Orange Line train—Bund Road and Multan Road—were also closed. Officials stated these precautions were taken because of security apprehensions related to the protest call.
In Multan, police declared a high security alert amid concerns of analogous demonstrations. Section 144 remains enforced across Punjab, prohibiting all public assemblies.
In a separate communiqué, Punjab police announced that a province-wide high alert had been instituted on the orders of IGP Anwar, subsequent to credible intelligence indicating potential unrest.
According to the police, “foolproof security arrangements” had been further strengthened, especially in Lahore, to avert any adverse incidents. All field officers throughout Punjab were directed to maintain heightened vigilance and implement immediate preventive measures as needed to guarantee the security of citizens and their possessions.
The directive also assigned district police officers, in coordination with officials from the Special Branch and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the duty of maintaining rigorous surveillance and monitoring of areas considered sensitive. Law enforcement personnel were commanded to “keep a close eye on suspicious activities” and react promptly to any potential security risks or legal breaches.
Despite the elevated state of readiness, police provided a midday update stating that the general situation remained peaceful and manageable in cities across Punjab. Traffic was flowing normally, and no significant disturbances were noted in public spaces, suggesting that the preemptive steps may have averted an initial escalation.
No Justification for Violent Protests: Bukhari
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Friday denounced the recent series of protests led by a religious party, stating that such violent gatherings are unjustifiable, particularly when conducted under the pretense of showing solidarity with Gaza.
She highlighted that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in advocating for a Gaza ceasefire have received international acknowledgment, and she questioned the timing of the protest call, which was issued after a truce had already been established. “Is setting police vehicles on fire going to solve the issue of Gaza?” she inquired. “Those who resort to violent protests cannot be considered well-wishers of the country or its people.”
Bukhari stated that the state has determined it will no longer endure such modes of protest. “Blocking roads and shutting down cities under the guise of protest will not be allowed,” she cautioned, emphasizing that while fundamental rights must be upheld, no one possesses the authority to supersede the law.
The minister expressed appreciation for the business community, transporters, and the general public for disregarding the strike call, noting that their refusal reflects the consciousness and determination of the Pakistani populace.
She confirmed that the Punjab cabinet had sanctioned a ban on the TLP and that a formal recommendation had been dispatched to the federal government for subsequent action. However, she dispelled rumors, clarifying that no determinations have been made concerning any mosques or madrasas. “The people will not be misled,” she asserted.
“Dialogue is the only way forward — not violence,” she concluded.
The choice to pursue a ban on the TLP was finalized during a high-level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday.
While the group was not explicitly identified in official releases, the provincial government pledged that individuals participating in spreading violence, inciting animosity, or endangering the public would be apprehended and charged under anti-terrorism legislation.
Officials suggested that those culpable for assaults on police or the destruction of property would face prosecution in anti-terrorism courts. Furthermore, the names of senior party leaders and workers could be placed on the Fourth Schedule pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism Act, which imposes limitations on the movement and activities of listed individuals.
The Punjab government also revealed intentions to confiscate the group’s assets, suspend its social media accounts, and eliminate all party banners, posters, and advertisements. Officials added that any infractions of the Loudspeaker Act would be met with severe consequences.
Meanwhile, authorities in Islamabad also sealed TLP offices in Barakahu, Sowan, and other localities later in the day as part of the ongoing suppression campaign.
