Govt decided to ban TLP under anti-terrorism law

On Wednesday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that the federal government has decided to impose a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the anti-terrorism law.

Sheikh Rasheed revealed that the government had decided to take the decision at the request of the Punjab government; while during a press conference. He said that “We are forwarding a summary to the federal cabinet to impose a ban on the TLP”. Sheikh Rasheed said in Islamabad, as protests were held across various cities of the country.

Protests by a religious party have caused problems for the masses in major cities; across the country for the past two days and have claimed the lives of three people, including two policemen. Nearly 100 policemen have also been injured in clashes with the protesters.

Additionally, Sheikh Rasheed clarified that he had never supported this party nor had ever met Khadim Hussain Rizvi; adding the ban has been imposed due to TLP’s “character” and not due to any political compulsion.

Speaking about the TLP’s negotiations, Sheikh Rasheed said the government wanted to table a resolution in the National Assembly. They also wanted to form a consensus on it but they (TLP) insisted on marching to the Faizabad Interchange. He declared that “Our efforts to convince them failed. As far as the matter of Khatam-e-Nabwat is concerned, I am ready to give my life”.

Furthermore, Sheikh Rasheed defended the government, by saying it intended to honour the agreement made with the TLP earlier. Regarding the FIR’s filed against protesters, he said they were all filed in accordance with the law.