TLP set to become 83rd banned outfit in 25 years

With the federal cabinet approving a ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, the party is likely to become the 83rd political or religious organization, armed group, or welfare body to be declared a proscribed entity in Pakistan over the past 25 years.

A ban was also imposed on TLP by the then-ruling PTI government but it was lifted after six months on the condition that the group would refrain from violent or subversive acts.

Under Section 11-B(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, any group or political/religious organization found involved in criminal or terrorist activities may be declared banned. The process is carried out by the Ministry of Interior with the approval of provincial governments and the national assembly.

The crackdown on extremist and sectarian organizations began in 2001,