Punjab cabinet approves ban on TLP, summary forwarded to centre, says Azma Bokhari

Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has announced that the provincial cabinet has approved a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), with a formal summary sent to the federal government for final approval.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she said that the state cannot permit any form of violent protest. “Blocking roads, attacking police officers, and damaging public property under the guise of protest are actions that cannot be tolerated, ” Azma said.

According to the minister, 1,648 police personnel were injured during the recent demonstrations by the religious group — clear evidence, she said, that the protests were not peaceful.

Bokhari added that the protest call given in the name of Gaza came after the peace agreement there, suggesting that the motive behind it was merely to incite unrest.

The information minister expressed gratitude to the business community and the public for rejecting the strike call. She said the people of Punjab had demonstrated awareness and responsibility by refusing to be misled by false slogans or agitation.

Bokhari clarified that the government had not taken any decision against any mosque or madrassa, adding that attempts to provoke citizens and draw them to the streets on religious pretexts were both irresponsible and condemnable.