The past three days witnessed debilitating protests by the quasi-religious party Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) which paralysed the nation and showed the weakening writ of the state. After much deliberation, the federal government has decided to outlaw the party.
The TLP was a new entrant on the political sphere and contested the 2018 general elections, securing two seats and becoming the fifth largest party by number of votes. It appealed to the religious segments by proclaiming to be the defenders of blasphemy laws and Finality of Prophethood (PBUH). However, it was its propensity towards violence and blockage of roads that created havoc and eventually compelled the government to take the decision.
The government often has a tenacity to pander to such fringe groups and eventually sign clandestine deals with them. Just last week, it was agreed with them that the matter regarded expelling the French ambassador will be brought to parliament in response to blasphemous caricatures in that country. The previous regime also refrained from taking decisive action against them and rather than dealing with an iron fist, it gave away considerable leverage after which the party gained further traction.
The TLP was led by radical cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi who used provocative speeches often laced with profanities to attract the audience. The party held a sit-in near Faizabad in 2017 after a supposed alteration to the oath taking law which held the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad hostage for several days. After his death last year, it was widely perceived that the party would lose steam under the leadership of his young, inexperienced son. However, the party attempted to show its dominance and announced nationwide protests calling for boycotting French products and expelling their envoy.
The government’s decision to proscribe the TLP will lead to a harsh reaction which it should be prepared for. The past shows that parties that have been banned turned more violent and unleashed ever more damage. This has been evident with sectarian outfits, terror groups and nationalists groups. There are more than 80 organisations that have been banned in the country. The government should instead take stringent action against its leadership and resources rather than just banning the party.
It should also be realised that Pakistan is at a crucial point in the FATF’s list of terror financing and violent protests would send an adverse message. The government should disassociate from appeasing the religious might for its political interests as it could worsen the security situation in the country.
