The Punjab government has identified and frozen the bank accounts of 3,800 domestic and international financiers of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), with plans to pursue terrorism charges against them, a move that signals a significant escalation in the state’s crackdown on the religious-political organization.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Punjab Minister for Information Azma Bukhari disclosed that authorities have successfully traced the extensive financial network supporting the TLP, which includes prominent and educated individuals. She stated that the party had amassed millions of rupees in donations by exploiting religious sentiments.
During recent operations, a substantial cache of valuables was recovered from the residence of TLP chief Saad Rizvi. The seizure included 1.92 kilograms of gold, 898 grams of silver, 69 branded watches, 28 gold bangles, 24 necklaces, and 46 gold rings.
‘The financiers of TLP – both domestic and international – have been traced. Their bank accounts have been frozen, and terrorism cases will be registered against them,’ Bukhari announced. She expressed astonishment that “even educated and seemingly respectable people were among those funding the group.”
The minister addressed public concerns, clarifying that the government has no intention of relocating the grave of late TLP founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi, emphasizing that its sanctity will be respected. However, she issued a stern warning against any fundraising activities associated with the grave or other religious symbols.
Bukhari also confirmed that the administration has taken control of 130 mosques previously managed by the TLP. She dismissed claims of any mosques being demolished as “baseless propaganda.” The minister refuted rumors of high casualties during recent protests, providing official figures of three civilian fatalities, 48 injured citizens, and 110 wounded police officers, 18 of whom sustained gunshot injuries.
The information minister alleged that the TLP operated a specific cell dedicated to issuing threats and inciting violence under religious pretexts. “Our religion stands for peace, not violence,” she asserted, accusing the group of distorting Islamic teachings by linking unrest to causes like Palestine and Gaza.
Reaffirming the state’s firm resolve, Bukhari cautioned that ‘no one who takes the law into their own hands will be spared.’ She urged parents and the youth to remain vigilant against individuals who misuse sacred names for personal or political agendas, advising them not to be deceived by such exploitation.