ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has unanimously approved a nationwide ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), officially declaring it a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
An official statement confirmed that the decision was made after the Interior Ministry submitted a summary based on a request from the Punjab government. Senior Punjab officials joined the cabinet meeting via video link to brief the cabinet on TLP’s ongoing involvement in violent protests and extremist activities.
Officials stated that since its inception in 2016, TLP has been responsible for widespread violent demonstrations, public incitement, and actions that threatened lives and disrupted public order. These activities resulted in the deaths of civilians and security personnel, disruption of daily life, and destruction of property. The cabinet also recalled that TLP was previously banned in 2021, but the restriction was lifted six months later after assurances of non-violence assurances which were later violated.
Punjab Police, in a report issued on October 16, 2025, revealed the extent of losses caused during TLP protests over the past nine years. The report documented that 11 police officers were martyred and 1,648 injured in violent demonstrations. Among the injured, 69 officers became permanently disabled, 202 sustained serious injuries, and 1,194 suffered minor wounds. Additionally, 16 civilians lost their lives, while 54 were injured during clashes.
The police report also highlighted extensive damage to state property, with 97 police vehicles destroyed, two set ablaze, and 10 police buildings severely damaged. A total of 305 cases were registered under anti-terrorism laws and 480 under other criminal charges against TLP protestors. In recent incidents, 1,529 individuals were named, and over 17,800 unidentified persons were booked for involvement in violence.
After detailed discussions and a comprehensive security briefing, the cabinet officially declared TLP a terrorist and violent organization and approved its addition to the list of banned outfits under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
