Pakistan Moves to Ban TLP After Deadly Clashes Over Gaza Protest

Pakistan’s Punjab government is seeking federal approval to ban the far-right religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following violent clashes in Muridke during the group’s “Al-Aqsa Gaza March.” The crackdown began after protesters defied security barriers, resulting in deadly confrontations with police. Officials say more than 2,700 TLP members were detained, and thousands more placed on a no-exit list. The TLP had launched the march to oppose a Gaza peace plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it a “conspiracy” against Palestinians. The protest turned violent after reports emerged that TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi was injured, sparking nationwide unrest. Punjab police confirmed one officer’s death, while TLP claimed hundreds of its members were killed — a figure the government denies. Analysts suggest TLP’s protest failed to gain wider support as mainstream religious parties limited themselves to symbolic rallies. Experts say the party’s attempt to shift from blasphemy-related politics to foreign issues backfired, reducing its public resonance. Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for the TLP leadership to be placed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, declaring that extremists inciting violence will face strict action. The whereabouts of Rizvi and his brother remain unknown.