Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

TLP Banned Under Anti-Terrorism Act, Still Listed as Political Party by ECP
The Interior Ministry has banned TLP under the Anti-Terrorism Act after violent protests, but the party remains listed as a political entity by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-25
TLP Banned Under Anti-Terrorism Act, Still Listed as Political Party by ECP

The Federal Interior Ministry has formally banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) following violent protests earlier this month. However, despite the prohibition, TLP remains on the list of registered political parties maintained by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

A notification issued by the Interior Ministry on Friday stated that, in the government’s view, TLP is involved in terrorist activities, leading to its ban under Section 11(b), Sub-section 1(a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

According to sources, the federal cabinet approved the ban following a recommendation from the Punjab government, which cited the October 13 violent demonstrations in Muridke and the martyrdom of police personnel during clashes with TLP activists.

Officials from the Interior Ministry clarified that the decision was made solely under the Anti-Terrorism Act and not under Article 17 of the Constitution, which governs the dissolution or restriction of political parties. Therefore, no reference to the Supreme Court was deemed necessary in this case.

Despite the ban, TLP continues to appear on the ECP’s list of registered political parties, highlighting a legal grey area. ECP officials explained that a political party can only be formally banned by submitting a reference under Article 17 of the Constitution, implemented through Section 212 of the Election Act.

Since the current restriction is administrative under the ATA, TLP remains politically registered and, under existing laws, technically eligible to contest elections.

Sources within the ECP confirmed that the commission will hold a detailed consultation on Monday to review the legal implications of the Interior Ministry’s notification and decide on the future status of TLP’s registration.
Tagged:

ECP

TLP

PakistanPolitics

InteriorMinistry

AntiTerrorismAct
Share News: