The federal government on Thursday approved the imposition of a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and directed the Ministry of Interior to complete the necessary legal formalities.

According to sources, the decision was made during a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

The Punjab government had recommended banning the TLP, following which the ministry submitted reasons for the ban to the federal cabinet.

According to the chargesheet, TLP leaders were involved in delivering hate speeches.

The religious group has been accused of engaging in sectarian extremism and inciting violence against minorities.

TLP activists also resorted to violence and damaged public property during demonstrations.

The ministry’s summary also included reports detailing the losses caused by the group’s violent protests.

Following the recent unrest, the Punjab government formally requested the federal government to impose a ban on the TLP.

Crackdown

Meanwhile, authorities continued a crackdown on TLP supporters in Lahore.

Punjab police sources said 954 protesters have been arrested so far, and more than 4,500 suspects remain wanted in connection with violent incidents.

Police said lists of alleged suspects were supplied to the IGP’s office, and multi-district teams have been formed to carry out raids and arrests.

Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari told reporters that investigators had identified roughly 3,600 alleged financiers, their accounts had been frozen, and funding channels were effectively cut off.

She warned that any repeat of extremist activity would be met with strict action, saying the state would not allow anyone to take up arms against it.