ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the Government of Pakistan has officially banned the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), declaring it a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997. The Pakistan TLP ban was formally approved on October 23, 2025, during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following the recommendation of the Punjab government.
According to the Ministry of Interior, TLP has been involved in “violent and terrorist activities,” including inciting sectarian hatred, destroying public property, and delivering hate speeches against foreign nations, particularly the United States and France.
Punjab Government’s Request Sparked the Pakistan TLP Ban
The Punjab provincial cabinet had earlier urged the federal government to outlaw TLP after a series of violent protests in Muridke, Lahore, and other major cities. The unrest erupted during TLP’s so-called “Gaza Solidarity March,” where thousands of supporters clashed with police and blocked highways. At least one police officer was killed, and over a hundred were injured. More than 2,700 TLP activists were arrested across Punjab in connection with the riots.
TLP’s History of Violence and Previous Ban
This marks the second Pakistan TLP ban within the last four years. The group was first banned in April 2021 under the Anti-Terrorism Act after violent demonstrations over blasphemy issues and anti-France protests. However, the ban was lifted later that year following an agreement between the group and the then-PTI government.
Experts note that despite multiple government warnings, TLP continued to hold disruptive rallies that undermined law enforcement and threatened public safety. Political observers argue that the party’s leadership failed to uphold previous commitments to non-violence.
Legal Procedure and the Supreme Court’s Role
Under Article 17(2) of the Constitution of Pakistan, the federal government must refer its decision to the Supreme Court within 15 days. The Interior Ministry has begun preparing the reference that will officially confirm the ban. Once the court upholds the decision, TLP’s offices, bank accounts, and online platforms will be frozen. Its name will also be added to the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) list of proscribed organizations.
Impact on National Security and Diplomacy
Officials say the Pakistan TLP ban is a “necessary measure” to protect national security, public order, and diplomatic relations. The government claims that TLP’s extremist rhetoric damaged Pakistan’s image internationally, especially after its leaders made aggressive remarks targeting Western nations. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated, “No group will be allowed to use religion as a weapon to create chaos or threaten our state institutions.”
Historical Context of Party Bans in Pakistan
Pakistan has a long history of banning political and religious groups accused of promoting violence. Similar actions were previously taken against the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and various sectarian outfits. The Pakistan TLP ban highlights the government’s ongoing challenge of balancing religious freedom with security concerns. Experts warn that while the move may restore short-term stability, it also risks further alienating a section of society that feels politically marginalized.
