The Punjab government has launched a widespread crackdown against leaders and workers of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Reports say police have arrested hundreds of individuals affiliated with the religion-political party across Punjab.
A representative of Brelvi (Ahlesunnat) school of thought, TLP is regarded as the largest religious organisation in Pakistan.
Arrests and Travel Ban:
Police have arrested over 2,716 people in different parts of the country, according to reports. Out of these, Lahore and Sheikhupura police have taken into custody over 251 and 178 TLP leaders and workers. The government has barred some 2,800 people from travelling abroad.
Islamabad administration has also sealed TLP offices in the federal capital.
Punjab Cabinet Meeting and Imposition of Section 144:
Earlier, the Punjab government decided to recommend a ban on the TLP. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
However, a statement issued after the meeting did not directly mention the TLP. Instead, it stated that the Punjab government would approach the federal government to impose a ban on an “extremist party.”
Statement read: “A complete ban in Punjab has been imposed on the display of all kinds of weapons, use of loudspeakers, and publication and distribution of inflammatory, hateful or sectarian material.”
The provincial government’s actions follow violent clashes between TLP protesters and law enforcement agencies in Muridke.
Media reports earlier cited an ongoing police crackdown and arrests of TLP leaders and workers across Punjab. The official statement said that anyone involved in inciting violence, spreading hatred, or violating the law would be arrested immediately.
The provincial government also announced plans to place TLP leaders on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which restricts an individual’s movement and activities. Officials familiar with the development said the government would seize all properties and assets owned by the TLP and hand them over to the Auqaf Department.
Meanwhile, Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across Punjab till Saturday. It banned public gatherings, protests, meetings, processions, rallies and sit-ins for next two day.
Policy on Firearms and Afghan Nationals:
The Punjab government has also approved new measures to regulate firearms and monitor Afghan citizens residing in the province.
Monitoring Afghan Citizens:
Authorities will bring Afghans living in Punjab into the tax net and collect real-time data on undocumented individuals. A whistleblower system will be introduced to allow citizens to report illegal residents.
Arms Regulation:
The government has directed citizens to register all legal firearms at their local service centers within a month. Arms dealers across the province will have their inventories inspected, and no new arms licenses will be issued during this period.
The Punjab government has also requested the federal government to regulate weapons manufacturers and factories. Illegal possession of weapons will now be a non-bailable offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine exceeding Rs 2 million.
