Pakistani Government Announces a Ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik

In recent news, the Federal Government of Pakistan decided that they are going to be placing a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in accordance with the anti-terrorism law in the country. 

Sheikh Rashid, the Interior Minister, added that a decision has been made and is awaiting approval from the cabinet. He added that a single political party from the country cannot claim to be the authority on a matter of Namoos-e-Risalat. 

He highlighted how this is an issue that is close to the hearts of all the people in Pakistan and not just a handful of people belonging to the same party. The Interior Minister asserted that politicians are always involved in politics, however, the maiming, killing, and dragging of police officials off of their motorcycles has never been a norm. He went on to criticize protestors for causing damage to public property. 

Rashid stated that if, in the past, any arrest warrants had been issued against politicians, they had abided by them, rather than asking their supporters to hold protests across the country. 

In light of recent events, the Interior Ministry thus, decided that they will take stern measures to deal with the ‘miscreants’ who decided to the law into their own hands.

Following the protests of the TLP, sporadic clashes occurred in some cities. Police officers reported that protests have now died down in most areas of the country. However, a few skirmishes between the protestors and police have continued to arise. 

A meeting was held in Islamabad, which was chaired by Sheikh Rashid, on the current law and order situation in Pakistan. It was attended by various senior officials to decide on a plan of action moving ahead. 

On the occasion, the Interior Minister took to lauding rangers, district administration, and the police on their efforts, which allowed them to clear a large number of areas across the country. Those in attendance also commended the police officials who died as a result of the clashes. 

Rashid directed participants to make sure that the writ of the state is upheld at any and all costs. He further informed that GT Road, motorways, as well as important arteries, have also been reopened to allow traffic to pass. Vehicular traffic is now being permitted at Bara Kuhu, Tarnol, Rawat, and Liaquat Bagh. 

Officials belonging to the Safe City Authority of Lahore also stated that there are some places in the provincial capital, which are still shut down due to the rallies. 

At the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore revealed that Multan road, Thokar Niaz Beg, as well as a couple of other areas have been given the go-ahead to reopen for traffic.

In Rawalpindi, reports have surfaced of people being injured as a result of skirmishes with the police. Reports from Liaquat Bagh Chowk stated that the protestors had taken to pelt stones at law enforcement personnel. The metro-bus track in the city also turned into a battleground, leaving many injured.