LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced that the Punjab cabinet has approved a proposed ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and has forwarded the recommendation to the federal government.
During a press conference, Azma Bokhari emphasized that while religious parties have historically been part of Pakistan’s political framework, imposing one group’s ideology under the guise of religion cannot be tolerated.
She remarked that there was no justification for the recent protest organized by the religious group. Bokhari noted a growing trend of extremism in the country, where groups block roads to push their demands, causing major disruptions.
She added that the recent protests not only turned violent but were unjustified, especially since they were held in the name of Gaza, despite a ceasefire being achieved. She credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for playing pivotal roles in brokering that ceasefire.
Bokhari stated that both the government and the state concluded that Pakistan could no longer endure such violent events. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz continues launching initiatives focused on public welfare, such as distributing farmer cards and building 90,000 houses to improve citizens’ lives.
She further remarked that individuals who defy the state’s lawful authority are neither allies of religion nor supporters of Punjab or Pakistan. Bokhari stressed that violence and misuse of religion for personal gain have no place in Islam. Referring to extremist actions, she highlighted that such behavior contradicts the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), who never encouraged such conduct.
Bokhari dismissed allegations that the government failed to engage in dialogue with the protesting group. According to her, the negotiations did not concern Gaza or Palestine but were entirely centered on their organizational interests.
She also pointed out that, even now, the group called for protests following Friday prayers. However, traders and the public largely rejected this call. She reaffirmed that markets across Punjab remained open and declared that no one would be permitted to paralyze the nation through unlawful demonstrations.
Drawing attention to the violence during the protests, Bokhari questioned what wrong the Punjab Police inspector had done to deserve martyrdom. She shared details of how law enforcement was attacked from rooftops, with the inspector sustaining 20 to 26 bullet wounds. Additionally, over 1,600 police officers were injured, more than 50 left permanently disabled, 97 police vehicles vandalized, and two completely burned. Bokhari questioned how such incidents could be described as peaceful protests.
