LAHORE: The government of Punjab on Friday approved ban on the religous party after violent protests in major cities of the province.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that the government has approved a recommendation to impose a nationwide ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), forwarding the summary to the federal government for final approval.
Bukhari stated that “Political and religious parties have been part of the system in the country, but one party has turned onto the path of extremism in recent times.”
She said that the protests, called even after a ceasefire in Gaza, involved blocking roads, attacking police, and setting vehicles ablaze were against the law.
The minister stated that over 1,648 police officers injured, one inspector killed after being shot 26 times, and 97 police vehicles damaged in incidents across Lahore’s Multan Road and Muridke.
TLP Chief, 200 Other Violent Protesters Booked in Terrorism Cases
Earlier, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, along with 200 others were booked under terrorism charges at police stations in Rawat, Taxila, and Muridke for carrying out violent protests.
As per details, the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against the TLP head on the charges pertaining to terrorism and attempted murder.
According to the FIRs, violent protesters clashed with police and attacked them with firearms, which resulted in the death of SHO Inspector Shahzad Jhumat by a gunshot, and injuring several other officers.
In Rawat, the case was registered under charges of terrorism, attempted murder, robbery, and incitement to violence. Saad Rizvi, along with 21 TLP leaders and workers, was named in the FIR, while 35 unidentified individuals were also included.
The FIR stated that the protesters were armed with firearms, petrol bombs, and spiked sticks, and opened fire on police. The attackers also seized 150 tear gas shells and tore the uniforms of the officers. Additionally, the protesters blocked the main road, stole ammunition, and damaged police vehicles.
Police recovered 10 spiked sticks, 4 petrol bombs, TLP flags, stones, and spent bullet shells from the scene.
