Punjab on High Alert as Summary for TLP Ban Sent to Centre Ahead of Fresh Protest Call
Officials said the move aims to restore public order and reinforce the state’s writ after last week’s clashes between TLP supporters and law enforcement personnel in Muridke and other cities.
The unrest erupted when police dismantled a TLP protest camp in Muridke, triggering violent confrontations that claimed the lives of a police station house officer (SHO), three others including a passerby, and left widespread destruction in its wake.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said at least 1,648 police personnel were injured some by gunfire while dozens of vehicles were set ablaze and public and private properties vandalised during the riots.
With another protest call for today, Punjab police have been placed on high alert across the province to prevent any untoward incident.
Authorities reiterated that no individual or group would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar reaffirmed that police were “fully committed to maintaining peace and the rule of law.” In a statement posted on X, he said strict and indiscriminate action would be taken against anyone violating the law, adding that Section 144 which bans gatherings of four or more people — would be enforced across the province to safeguard lives and property.
According to media reports, the latest protest call was issued by TLP’s Balochistan chapter president, urging supporters to assemble at Lahore’s Data Darbar after Friday prayers.
Intelligence agencies have reportedly warned of attempts by activists to provoke violence and create unrest, prompting an extensive crackdown across Punjab.
The heightened alert comes amid renewed tensions after last week’s violent clashes in Muridke linked to TLP supporters.
Meanwhile, another group, Tanzeemat-i-Ahle Sunnat not affiliated with TLP was also reported to have called for protests demanding a judicial inquiry into the Muridke operation. However, the group’s leadership later denied issuing any strike or protest call.
Spokesperson Muhammad Akram Rizvi clarified, “We are peaceful people and will not take the law into our own hands,” urging dialogue as “the only viable solution.”
Similarly, Maulana Muhammad Ali Naqshbandi of Namus-e-Risalat Mahaz also denied announcing any shutter-down or protest, calling for calm.
Meanwhile, police operations continue across Punjab, particularly in Lahore, where authorities have so far detained at least 624 individuals linked to the violent protests.
Across Punjab, the total number of arrests has reached approximately 5,100, according to police figures. Raids were ongoing in various areas of Lahore as part of the operation to thwart the party’s mobilisation.
Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana issued a firm warning, stating that law enforcement would deal with any disruptive elements with an iron hand. "No one will be allowed to misuse the protest cover for unlawful activities," he said.
Kamyana warned that action would be taken against any attempts to shut down roads, shops, or transport services. "Ensuring the protection of life, property and businesses of citizens is our responsibility," he said, adding that all markets and business centres would remain open as usual.
In Rawalpindi, security was visibly heightened at key locations including Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh, and Faizabad, with additional police contingents deployed. Officials confirmed that Section 144 was in effect across all districts of the Rawalpindi Division.
Despite the high alert, roads connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad remained open, and police reported that traffic on major thoroughfares was moving normally.
Preventive transport measures were also put in place in Lahore. The Punjab Transport Department said that metro bus operations had been partially suspended in Lahore and were now limited to the Gajjumata to MAO College route.
Service from MAO College to Shahdara had been halted.
Two stations on the Orange Line train Bund Road and Multan Road were also closed.
Officials said these steps were taken due to security concerns surrounding the protest call.
In Multan, police declared a security high alert amid fears of similar demonstrations. Section 144 remains in effect across Punjab, barring all public gatherings.
In another statement, the Punjab police announced that security had been placed on high alert across the province on the orders of IGP Anwar, following credible intelligence suggesting possible disturbances.
According to the police, “foolproof security arrangements” had been further reinforced, particularly in Lahore, to prevent any untoward incidents.
All field officers across Punjab had been instructed to remain vigilant and take immediate preventive action where necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and their property.
The directive also tasked district police officers, along with officials from the Special Branch and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), with maintaining strict surveillance and monitoring of areas deemed sensitive.
Law enforcement personnel were ordered to “keep a close eye on suspicious activities” and respond swiftly to any potential security threats or violations of the law.
Despite the heightened state of alert, police in a midday update said the overall situation remained calm and under control in cities across Punjab.
Traffic was moving normally, and no major disruptions were reported in public areas, indicating that the preemptive measures may have helped prevent early escalation.
No justification for violent protests: Bukhari
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Friday condemned the recent wave of protests led by a religious party, saying such violent demonstrations had no justification, especially when held under the pretext of expressing solidarity with Gaza.
She said Pakistan’s diplomatic role in supporting the Gaza ceasefire had been widely recognised, and questioned the motives behind the protest call issued after the truce was already in place.
"Is setting police vehicles on fire going to solve the issue of Gaza?" she asked. "Those who resort to violent protests cannot be considered well-wishers of the country or its people."
Bukhari said the state had decided it could no longer tolerate such forms of protest. "Blocking roads and shutting down cities under the guise of protest will not be allowed," she warned, adding that fundamental rights must be protected, but no one had the right to take the law into their own hands.
The minister acknowledged the support of the business community, transporters and the general public for rejecting the strike call, saying their refusal demonstrated the awareness and resolve of the Pakistani people.
She confirmed that the Punjab cabinet had approved a ban on the TLP, and that a formal recommendation had been sent to the federal government for further action. However, she clarified that no decisions had been made regarding any mosques or madrasas, dismissing circulating rumours. "The people will not be misled," she said.
"Dialogue is the only way forward not violence," she added.
The decision to seek a ban on TLP was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday
Although the group was not named in official statements, the provincial government vowed that individuals involved in spreading violence, inciting hatred, or causing public harm would be arrested and prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws.
Officials indicated that those responsible for attacks on police or destruction of property would be tried in anti-terrorism courts, and the names of senior party leaders and workers could be added to the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which restricts the movement and activities of designated individuals.
Punjab government also disclosed plans to seize the group’s assets, block its social media presence, and remove all party banners, posters, and advertisements. Any violations of the Loudspeaker Act, officials added, would be met with strict penalties.
Meanwhile, Islamabad authorities also sealed TLP offices in Barakahu, Sowan, and other areas as part of the clampdown, later in the day.
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