Lahore( The COW News Digital)-The Punjab government has formally recommended that the federal government ban the religious political party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), following violent protests last week. The recommendation highlights the party’s violent activities and attacks on security personnel during demonstrations, prompting the federal government to consider legal action.
Punjab’s Information Minister, Azma Bukhari, emphasized in a press conference in Lahore that using religion to impose one’s views on others is unacceptable. The protests were initially called in response to a ceasefire in Gaza, with TLP marching from Lahore to Islamabad in front of the U.S. Embassy. Clashes between the party’s workers and police led to five fatalities, including police officers, and dozens of injuries. Over 3,000 TLP members were arrested across the province for participating in violent protests.
Under Pakistan’s Constitution, the federal government has the authority to ban any political or religious party that threatens national security or public order. The legal process begins when the Ministry of Interior submits a summary to the federal cabinet. Once approved, the Ministry issues a notification banning the party, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) deregisters the party, effectively ending its legal recognition.
If the banned party has representation in any assembly, its members typically lose their membership. However, ECP rules allow members to notify the Speaker in writing of their disassociation before the notification, allowing them to retain their seats as independents. Otherwise, they cannot contest subsequent elections even as independent candidates.
The party has the right to appeal to the Supreme Court within 15 days of the federal cabinet’s decision. If the court upholds the ban, the party is dissolved, its offices sealed, assets seized, and bank accounts frozen, effectively preventing participation in future elections.
Article 17 of the Constitution also requires political parties to disclose their financial sources, adding a layer of accountability to ensure transparency.
Historically, Pakistan has banned several parties under similar provisions. In April 2021, the PTI-led government temporarily banned TLP under anti-terrorism laws. Other religious political parties that have faced bans include Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan, and Millat-e-Islamia Pakistan, reflecting the government’s efforts to curb organizations that threaten public order and security.
This legal framework allows Pakistan to safeguard national security while providing the banned parties a judicial recourse to challenge decisions, balancing governance with constitutional rights.
