Federal cabinet approves ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has unanimously approved declaring Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act, according to the official statement issued after the meeting.

The Interior Ministry presented a summary in the cabinet session on the Punjab government’s request, detailing TLP’s involvement in violent and terrorist activities across the country. Senior Punjab government officials also participated in the session via video link, the statement said.

The briefing highlighted that since its formation in 2016, TLP has been involved in widespread violent protests, incitement, and acts of terrorism in various parts of Pakistan. The cabinet was informed that the group’s actions had threatened public safety, disrupted order, and caused deaths of security personnel and civilians during past demonstrations.

The statement recalled that TLP was previously banned in 2021 by the then government, but the ban was lifted six months later on the condition that the group would refrain from violence and unrest. However, the cabinet noted that TLP had violated those assurances, prompting the latest decision.

After detailed deliberations and a security briefing, the federal cabinet officially declared TLP a terrorist and violent organization, approving its inclusion in the list of proscribed outfits under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

TLP Protest History:

Punjab police on October 16, 2025, released details of casualties and damage caused during Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protests over the past nine years.

According to the police report, 11 police personnel have been martyred and 1,648 injured in various violent demonstrations organized by TLP from 2016 to 2025.

Among the injured, 69 officers were permanently disabled, 202 sustained serious injuries, and 1,194 suffered minor wounds. The report further stated that 16 civilians lost their lives, while 54 others were injured during violent clashes with protesters.

Additionally, 97 police vehicles were destroyed, two were set on fire, and 10 police buildings sustained severe damage during the TLP protests.

Police records show that 305 cases were registered under anti-terrorism laws, while 480 cases were filed under other criminal provisions against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan protesters.

In the recent cases alone, 1,529 individuals were named, and over 17,800 unidentified persons were booked for involvement in violence.