Following recent violent demonstrations by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the Punjab government has implemented Section 144, which prohibits all types of rallies, marches, and public meetings.
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Officials said the prohibition will last until Saturday, with the exception of weddings, funerals, and religious gatherings. The administration has also decided to recommend a federal ban on the TLP, citing concerns about law and order and public safety.
The decision comes after a huge police operation in Muridke earlier this week, in which cops destroyed TLP protest camps, resulting in violent skirmishes and over 2,700 arrests. Around 2,800 people linked with the organization have been prevented from leaving the country.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz presided over a high-level meeting where harsh punishment against individuals involved in violence was decided. Authorities also said that TLP leaders will be placed on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, their assets will be handed to the Auqaf Department, and hate-promoting social media profiles will be deleted.
Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar cautioned that no one would be permitted to take the law into their own hands, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi underlined that the move would only target TLP officials, not religious professors or madrasas.
