The Punjab Cabinet has officially approved a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), citing recent violent demonstrations that resulted in injuries to 1,648 police officers. The provincial government has now forwarded a summary to the federal government for final endorsement of the proscription.

Provincial Minister for Information Uzma Bukhari announced the decision at a press conference on Friday, describing TLP as an extremist organization and stating there was no justification for its aggressive agitation. ‘Did burning police vehicles solve the Gaza issue? The state has decided that Pakistan cannot afford such violent demonstrations,’ she declared.

Bukhari criticized the timing of the protest, noting that the call was issued ‘in the name of Gaza’ even after a ceasefire agreement had been reached. ‘Blocking roads and damaging public property in the name of protest cannot be allowed,’ she added, condemning the group’s actions as detrimental to the country and its citizens.

The government is also taking immediate steps to curtail the organization’s operational capacity. Bukhari confirmed that all bank and social media accounts associated with the TLP would be frozen, with the process already underway. Furthermore, action will be taken under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against those spreading misinformation, including a claim of “400 deaths” made from the PTI founder’s X (Twitter) account.

In a separate move to enhance security, the Punjab government, under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has imposed a complete ban on the issuance of new arms licenses across the province. Bukhari confirmed that no new licenses would be granted, regardless of political or non-political recommendations.

The new policy also includes a strict prohibition on the public display of weapons. Citizens possessing illegal arms have been given a one-month deadline to surrender them to authorities. Failure to comply will lead to cases being registered under anti-terrorism laws.

Even individuals with legally obtained weapons are required to register their firearms at Police Khidmat Centres. The minister warned that those who fail to do so would also face legal repercussions.

Bukhari concluded by thanking the business community and the public for rejecting the TLP’s strike call, stating it was a sign that the people of Pakistan would not be misled by extremists. She reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and enforcing the rule of law.