Punjab Imposes Section 144, Moves to Ban TLP Following Violent Protests

Lahore/Islamabad, Oct 17: The Punjab government on Thursday imposed Section 144 across the province, banning public gatherings for two days, while also recommending that the federal government ban the religio-political party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following violent demonstrations, according to official reports.

The Home Department stated that the restrictions, effective until Saturday, prohibit protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and other assemblies. The move follows a pre dawn operation in Muridke on Monday to dismantle a TLP protest camp, which resulted in violent clashes, widespread chaos, and multiple arrests.

Official figures indicate that 2,716 people were arrested during the operation, with 251 in Lahore and 178 in Sheikhupura. Around 2,800 individuals have been barred from traveling abroad, according to Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry.

Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows local authorities to prohibit gatherings of four or more people in a specified area for a defined period. The ban also restricts weapons, loudspeakers, and the distribution of inflammatory or sectarian material, though exceptions are made for weddings, funerals, burials, and official duties. Loudspeakers are permitted only for Friday sermons and Azaan.

Inspector General of Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, convened a high-level meeting to review security arrangements, warning that miscreants and rioters will be dealt with strictly, with potential sentences under the Anti-Terrorism Act ranging from 10 to 14 years. Around 27,000 police personnel and 12,000 Special Branch officers will be deployed across the province.

Videos circulating on social media showed TLP-linked mosques and seminaries being sealed, a move confirmed by TLP spokesperson Usman Naushahi, stating the properties were handed over to the Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired an extraordinary meeting, declaring that historic decisions were taken to uphold the state’s writ and law supremacy. The government announced it will recommend that the TLP be banned federally, with its leadership placed under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Party assets will be seized, bank accounts frozen, and social media accounts spreading hate will be taken down.

The government also introduced measures targeting illegal arms and Afghan residents in the province, including inspections, registration in a real time database, and stricter penalties for violations. Illegal arms possession can now attract up to 14 years in prison and fines up to Rs2 million.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified that action will focus on TLP office holders, stressing that peaceful protest remains a right but violent actions and weapon use will not be tolerated. Special public prosecutors have been appointed to handle terrorism cases against the TLP in Lahore and Sheikhupura, coordinating with investigation teams and Anti-Terrorism Courts.

Authorities cited the TLP’s history of violent agitations, attacks on law enforcement, and vandalism of religious sites as justification for the crackdown. The government emphasized that all steps are being taken to ensure law and order and the protection of citizens.