Wed Nov 05 03:00:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Pakistan Bans Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Again Amidst Rising Tensions
Islamabad, Pakistan – November 5, 2025 – For the second time in five years, Pakistan has outlawed the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a far-right Islamist political party. The ban comes amidst violent clashes between police and TLP protesters, highlighting the ongoing struggle to manage religious extremism in the country.
Founded in 2017 by cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the TLP draws significant support from the Barelvi community in Punjab. The party gained prominence defending blasphemy laws and advocating for strict Sharia governance.
The TLP quickly rose to prominence, winning millions of votes in the 2018 election. The group has demonstrated a potent ability to mobilize large-scale protests, often paralyzing urban centers and pressuring the government on issues deemed religiously sensitive. In 2020, the TLP led protests against France over blasphemous caricatures.
Experts note that the TLP’s strength lies in its grassroots organization, dedicated cadre, and exploitation of public sentiment on religious issues. The group has successfully mobilized lower- and middle-income Barelvi mosque-goers, particularly in Punjab, transforming itself into a powerful force capable of challenging state authority.
The Pakistani government’s approach to the TLP has been inconsistent, oscillating between suppression and compromise. Experts argue that neither tactic has been successful in sustainably weakening the group. While banning the TLP might provide immediate containment, a more calibrated, law-based approach is needed to prevent further unrest and address the underlying issues fueling the group’s popularity. An outright ban, experts suggest, risks alienating constituents and complicating monitoring efforts.
Brighty Ann Sarah and Preetha. R contributed to this report.
First Piper 