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Islamic militants

Pakistan Bans Radical Islamist Party Behind Violent Protests

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Protests led by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party, a radical Islamist group, turned violent, leaving at least one police officer and four civilians dead, and over 100 police officers and dozens of protesters injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office announced that the federal Cabinet has outlawed the party under the country's anti-terrorism law, accusing it of involvement in violent and extremist activities. This move is the second time in recent years that the TLP has been banned, following its first outlawing in April 2021 after violent protests over the publication of caricatures of Islam's Prophet Muhammad in France.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party (TLP) was banned by the Pakistani government under the country's anti-terrorism law, following violent protests that left at least one police officer and four civilians dead.
  • The TLP was first outlawed in April 2021 after violent protests over the publication of caricatures of Islam's Prophet Muhammad in France, and was allowed to resume activities in November 2021.
  • The party was accused of involvement in violent and extremist activities, including the clash with police on the outskirts of Lahore, where over 100 police officers and dozens of protesters were injured.
  • The TLP rejected the government's decision to outlaw it, calling the move "unconstitutional and politically motivated."
  • Police are searching for TLP leader Saad Rizvi, who went into hiding after the clashes erupted on October 13.
  • The Punjab government has shut down the party's offices, arrested hundreds of TLP supporters, and seized the party's bank accounts.

Statistics:

  • At least 1 police officer and 4 civilians were killed in the violent protests.
  • Over 100 police officers and dozens of protesters were injured in the clashes.
  • Hundreds of TLP supporters have been arrested since last week.
  • The TLP had been involved in the desecration abroad of Islam's holy book, the Quran, in the past.
  • The party gained prominence in Pakistan's 2018 election by campaigning on the single issue of defending the country's blasphemy law.

Sources:

  • Government of Pakistan, Prime Minister's Office (statement on October 24)
  • New Delhi Times, "Pakistan bans radical Islamist party behind violent protests" (October 24)

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