Pakistan Bans Islamist Party Following Violent Protests

Pakistan's government has banned the violent Islamist party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, under the anti-terrorism law after deadly protests. The group, known for its radical stances against blasphemy, was previously banned in 2021. The ban's lift depended on the party abandoning violent practices.

In a decisive move, the Pakistani government has prohibited the radical Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the country's anti-terrorism law. This action follows violent protests that resulted in clashes with police and the death of five individuals. The government's step, announced in Islamabad, reinforces its stance against terrorism.

The TLP, which has been a thorn in the side of successive Pakistani administrations, has long been associated with aggressive street protests. The party, founded in 2015 as a movement against blasphemy, transitioned into a political entity in 2016. It was originally banned in 2021 after leading violent demonstrations that disrupted public peace.

The previous lift of this ban was conditional upon the party's commitment to peaceful practices, as specified by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office. However, the recent surge in violence has forced the government to reimpose restrictions to ensure public safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)