LAHORE — In a sweeping move to thwart planned protests by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), Punjab authorities have deployed over 42,000 security personnel and initiated strict measures to dismantle the party’s leadership and prevent unrest today. The provincial government also plans to request a federal ban on the TLP. Dawn
Major Actions Initiated
- Massive deployment: Punjab Police Chief Dr. Usman Anwar has dispatched 30,000 uniformed officers across the province and assigned 12,000 plainclothes agents to track down TLP leaders presumed to be in hiding. Dawn
- Sensitive areas locked down: Key zones in Lahore — including Multan Road, Shahdara, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Baghbanpura, Thokar Niaz Baig, and Babu Sabu interchange — have been designated ‘sensitive’ and placed under heightened security. Dawn
- Legal and asset freeze: Plans are underway to ban the TLP under the Anti-Terrorism Act, freeze its bank accounts, seize party properties (handing them to Auqaf), and suspend its social media operations. Dawn
- Expanded legal punishment: Violators may be prosecuted with charges carrying up to 10–14 years’ imprisonment, notably under anti-terrorism statutes. Public gatherings are banned under Section 144, strictly enforced across Punjab. Dawn
Background & Escalation
TLP’s call for demonstrations after Friday prayers — particularly at Lahore’s Data Darbar — triggered intense concern among security agencies. Intelligence reports flagged potential violence, prompting preemptive crackdowns. Dawn
In recent days, Punjab has already arrested scores of TLP activists during protests in Muridke and Lahore, registered dozens of criminal cases, and imposed restrictions on movement and speech. The Express Tribune The provincial government supports placing TLP leadership on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, effectively classifying them under stricter controls. Dawn The Express Tribune
