Pakistan government has decided to impose a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the anti-terrorism law.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said on Wednesday that the decision has been taken at the request of the Punjab government.
“We are forwarding a summary to the Federal Cabinet to impose a ban on the TLP,” Sheikh Rashid was quoted as saying by Geo Tv in Islamabad amid countrywide protests.
Protest by a religious party had crippled life in major cities across the country and claimed the lives of three, including two policemen. Nearly 100 policemen have also been injured in clashes with the protesters.
Rashid said that the government wanted to table a resolution in the National Assembly with consensus but they (TLP) insisted on coming to Faizabad.
“Our efforts to convince them failed. As far as the matter of Khatam-e-Nabwat is concerned, I am ready to give my life.”
The interior minister said that firing was done after snatching a rifle from police in Islamabad.
“They wanted such a draft after which all the Europeans should have to go back,” he said.
He said that the government stood by the agreement signed with the party.
Regarding the FIRs filed against the protesters, Rashid said they were all filled according to law.
“I have never supported this party nor had ever met Khadim Hussain Rizvi (former TLP chief),” the minister said, adding the ban has been imposed due to TLP’s character and denied any political compulsion in the move.
