ISLAMABAD: The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has approached the interior ministry seeking review of the government’s decision of banning the party due to violent protests country
The ultra-right wing party has submitted an appeal to the ministry to revisit its decision on April 15 to impose a ban on the party. Well-placed sources revealed the interior ministry has called a meeting to hear the appeal deliberate on the matter. Interior Secretary Yousuf Naseem Khokhar will preside over the review meeting.
The TLP has claimed in the review petition that it has nothing to do with terrorism. It said their party has been registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and is a political party. The Interior Ministry had declared banned the party on the request of the Punjab government.
On April 15, the federal government banned the TLP after its supporters staged violent protests across the country after the arrest of their leader Saad Rizvi. A notification declaring TLP as a proscribed organisation was issued by the Ministry of Interior shortly after the federal cabinet approved a summary to ban the party.
The government eventually negotiated with the party in the fallout of the violent protests and released numerous party activists. In a press conference on April 21, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said the ban on the party was not being reversed and the leaders will have to face legal proceedings.
He added that the part has 30 days to file an appeal against the government’s decision of banning it with the Ministry of Interior, after which a committee will be formed to decide the case.
The minister said the 669 workers arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) were released from jail mostly hailing were from South Punjab and Faisalabad. He said about 700 policemen were injured in violent protests while 20 vehicles were set on fire.
