Punjab formally requests Centre to ban TLP amid protest call today

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In response to a fresh call for protest by a religious party today (Friday) following recent deadly clashes across the province, the Punjab government has sent a formal recommendation to the Centre.

The move is aimed at restoring public order and strengthening the writ of the state and strengthening the state and the rule of law following clashes between TLP supporters and law enforcement agencies in Merdke and other cities last week.

Officials stressed that no one would be allowed to disturb the peace or take the law into their own hands.

The unrest began when the police broke up a TLP protest camp in Murdke, prompting a clash that led to the death of a police station house officer (SHO), along with three others.

At least 1,648 police personnel were also injured, some of whom were hit by gunfire, while dozens of government and private vehicles were also torched, and commercial properties were damaged, according to Prime Minister Azma Bukhari on Punjab Minister.

In view of a fresh protest call for today, police have been put on high alert across the province to deal with any untoward situation. Authorities claim that no individual or group will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar, in a joint statement via the official account of the police department on X, emphasized that the force is fully committed to maintaining peace and enforcing the law.

He warned that anyone found violating the legal limits would face stern and coercive action. The IGP added that Section 144, a law prohibiting assemblies of four or more people, would be strictly enforced across the province to protect public and private property.

According to media reports, the protest call was made by the president of TLP’s Balochistan chapter, who urged supporters to gather at Data Darbar in Lahore after Friday prayers.

Intelligence assessments have reportedly warned of possible attempts by party workers to incite violence and mass unrest following the protest call, prompting authorities to launch a province-wide crackdown. The response comes amid growing concern following the recent violent clashes involving TLP protesters in Murdke.

Meanwhile, a separate group called Tanzimat-Ali Sunnat—not affiliated with the TLP—has also issued a protest call, demanding a judicial inquiry into the first operation in Merdke on Monday that triggered violent clashes and led to dozens of arrests. However, its leadership has since issued statements denying the announcement of any strike or protest.

Spokesman Mohammad Ikram Rizvi clarified that Tanzimat-Ali Sunat has not demanded shutter down or wheel gym strike. “We are peaceful people and will not take the law into our hands,” he said, urging the government to resolve matters through dialogue, which he described as the “only solution”.

Also, Maulana Muhammad Ali Naqshbandi, speaking on behalf of Namos-Risalat Mahaz, also denied issuing any strike or protest call, echoing that no shutdown had been announced by his group.

In light of these developments, security operations were intensified in major cities. The police confirmed that the crackdown is continuing in Lahore, where 624 people have been detained so far in connection with the violent TLP protests.

Across Punjab, the total number of arrests has risen to around 5,100, according to police data. Raids were underway in various areas of Lahore as part of the operation to thwart the mobilization of the party.

Security measures were particularly tight in the provincial capital. In the morning hours, several key roads leading to the Data Darbar – including Azadi Chowk, Bhatti Gate, and Urdu Bazar roads – were blocked using containers and barbed wire.

Heavy police presence was deployed near Data Durbar and District Kecheri Circle. Shops on both sides of Data Durbar Road were also closed, and only pedestrian access was allowed to the shrine from the Central Model School. However, by early afternoon, all roads in the area were reopened after Friday prayers, containers and barricades were removed and normal traffic and business activities resumed.

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamiana has issued a firm warning saying that law enforcement agencies will deal with any disruptive elements with an iron hand. “Nobody will be allowed to misuse the protest cover for illegal activities,” he said.

Kamiana warned that action would be taken against any attempt to block roads, shops or transport services. “It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of citizens’ lives, property and businesses,” he said. He added that all markets and business centers will remain open as usual.

In Rawalpindi, security was visibly heightened at key locations including Murray Road, Liakoot Bagh and Faizabad, with additional police forces deployed. Officials confirmed that Section 144 is in force in all districts of Rawalpindi division. Despite the high alert, roads connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad remained open, and police reported that traffic on the major thoroughfare was moving normally.

Safe transportation measures were also put in place in Lahore. The Punjab Transport Department said that metro bus operations were partially suspended in Lahore and were now restricted to Gujjmata. The service from Mau College to Shahdara was stopped. Two stations on the Orange Line train – Bund Road and Multan Road were also closed. Officials said the measures were taken due to security concerns related to the protest call.

In Multan, police declared a security high alert amid fears of similar protests. Section 144 is in force in Punjab excluding all public gatherings.

In another statement, the Punjab Police announced that security has been put on high alert across the province on the orders of IGP Anwar, after credible intelligence suggested a possible disruption.

According to the police, “foolproof security arrangements” had been beefed up to prevent any untoward incidents, especially in Lahore. All the field officers of Punjab were directed to remain vigilant and as necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and their property.

The directive also entrusted district police officers, along with Special Branch and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials, with strict vigilance and monitoring of sensitive areas. Law enforcement officials were ordered to “keep a close eye on suspicious activity” and respond quickly to any potential security threats or violations of the law.

Despite the tense situation of the watchman, the police said in an afternoon update that the overall situation was calm and under control across the cities of Punjab. Traffic was moving normally, and no major disruptions were reported in public areas, indicating that preemptive measures could help stem the initial surge.

Dialogue Only One Way: Buhari

Punjab’s Prime Minister Azma Bukhari on Friday condemned the recent wave of protests led by a religious group, saying there was no justification for such violent demonstrations, especially when held under the guise of solidarity with Gaza.

He said Pakistan’s diplomatic role in supporting the Gaza ceasefire was widely acknowledged, and questioned the motives behind the protest call issued after it already existed. “Are the police cars on fire on their way to solve the Gaza problem?” he asked. “Those who resort to violent protests cannot be considered well-wishers of the country or its people.”

Bukhari said the state has decided it cannot tolerate such protests. “Blocking roads and shutting down cities under the guise of protest will not be allowed,” he warned, adding that fundamental rights should be preserved, but no one had the right to take the law into their own hands.

Acknowledging the support of the business community, transporters and common people for rejecting the strike call, the minister said that their rejection showed the consciousness and determination of the people of Pakistan.

He confirmed that the Punjab Cabinet has approved the ban on TLP, and that a formal recommendation has been sent to the federal government for further action. However, he clarified that no decision had been taken regarding any mosques or madrasas, dismissing the rumors doing the rounds. “People will not be misled,” he said.

“Dialogue is the only way forward – not violence,” he added.

It was decided to ban TLP during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday.

Although the group was not named in official statements, the provincial government vowed that those involved in spreading violence, inciting hatred, or causing public harm would be arrested and prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws.

Officials indicated that those responsible for attacks on police or destruction of property would be prosecuted in anti-terrorism courts, and the names of senior party leaders and activists could be included in the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which restricts the movement and activities of those named.

The Punjab government also revealed plans to seize the group’s assets, block its social media presence and remove all party banners, posters and advertisements. Officials added that any violation of the Loudspeaker Act would attract strict penalties.

Meanwhile, Islamabad authorities also sealed TLP offices in Barakahu, Swan and other areas as part of the clampdown later in the day.