Anyone providing “financial or political support” to the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) faces terrorism charges, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari warned on Tuesday, adding the province is awaiting the federal government’s decision on a ban on the group.
“Some 3,800 TLP financiers have been identified. Their funding sources have been blocked and legal action will be initiated against them under anti-terrorism laws,” she told a press conference in Lahore. Confirming that the Punjab cabinet had forwarded a summary seeking a ban on the TLP to the federal government, she said the province expected a final decision and enforcement of the ban “within a few days.”
Lamenting that the TLP had justified rioting and unrest by invoking Islam and Palestine, Bokhari said this was a “distortion of religious sanctity.” She also rubbished claims “false propaganda” about dead bodies during the protests, making clear three TLP supporters, one police officer and a bystander had died during clashes between police and the group.
On social media rumors about the Punjab government relocating the grave of TLP founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the minister said this was mere propaganda. However, she added, no one would be allowed to use the grave to solicit donations or fuel violence. She also clarified that no mosque would be demolished but the management of TLP-linked mosques and madrassas had been placed under the Auqaf Department. ”A total of 130 TLP mosques have been taken into government control and 223 seminaries have been geo-tagged,” she added.
Bokhari backed a recent statement of the Punjab Police stating 1.92kg of gold was recovered from TLP leader Saad Rizvi’s house, as well as 898g of silver, 68 rare watches and other valuables. She alleged Rizvi had purchased properties under benami ownership and turned certain areas into no-go zones.
The minister urged parents to keep their children away from TLP’s activities, warning all supporters faced terrorism charges. “Any student involved in such activities will not be granted admission or any facilities within the country,” she said, adding Rizvi and his brother Anas would soon be arrested. She said 95 bank accounts linked to Rizvi had been frozen. “We do not want pressure groups to emerge in the country,” she added.
Also on Tuesday, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed the interior ministry was reviewing a Punjab government reference seeking a ban on the TLP. “Due diligence is under way and a final decision is yet to be taken,” he said, while questioning the group’s motives for its protests. He said the state had decided that extremist politics and ideology could not continue in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Karachi, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made clear the federal government would take decisive action against any armed group in the country, regardless of location or affiliation. Rubbishing claims that the government is targeting any specific religious sect, he clarified the ongoing actions against groups like the TLP were solely against armed groups, not peaceful religious communities.
“Wherever an armed group is found—in any province—there will be action. That is non-negotiable,” he said. He also assured religious scholars that their concerns would be addressed on priority, reiterating the government would not interfere in the affairs of madrassas or mosques.