LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has approved a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following violent protests that resulted in property damage and public unrest.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Minister for Information Azma Bokhari said that while the world recognizes Pakistan’s constructive role in the Gaza ceasefire efforts, a certain religious group announced protests even after the peace agreement had been reached.
She stated that the demonstrations turned violent, causing damage to public and private property. “Those who resort to violence and destruction cannot be well-wishers of the nation,” Bokhari remarked, questioning whether “burning police vehicles could solve the Gaza issue.”
The minister said the state had decided that Pakistan cannot tolerate such destructive and violent demonstrations under the pretext of solidarity.
Azma Bukhari said that the Punjab Cabinet has approved the ban on TLP, the summary for the ban on TLP has been sent to the federal government.
It is worth mentioning that a day earlier, reports had surfaced indicating that the Punjab government intended to recommend a ban on the religious party to the federal government and take control of all its assets.
Lahore on high alert amid religious party’s protest call
Security across the provincial capital has been placed on high alert following a protest call by a religious political party.
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran personally inspected security arrangements at key locations, including Shahdara, Data Darbar, Mahmood Booti, Mall Road, and Jail Road. He reviewed the deployment of officers and met with personnel stationed on major thoroughfares to boost their morale.
All divisional SPs, SDPOs, and SHOs remained present in the field to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain law and order. “Security has been tightened at all major markets and public places across the city,” said DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, urging citizens to continue their business activities without fear.
He emphasized that the police would not allow any miscreants to disrupt peace and that special security duties had been assigned throughout Lahore.
Traffic flow across all major routes remained normal, while the DIG ordered strict action against anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands or engage in violence under the guise of protest.
