Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that all seminaries belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have been officially handed over to religious scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rahman, following the government’s decision to impose a ban on the party. The move comes after violent protests led by TLP resulted in the deaths of a police station house officer (SHO) and three others, including a passerby, earlier this month.
The federal government had declared the TLP a banned organization on October 24, following widespread unrest across Punjab and other parts of Pakistan. Speaking at a meeting of Ittehad-e-Bain-ul-Muslimeen in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that seminaries and mosques should serve as centers for religious education, not platforms for violence or political manipulation.
Maryam Nawaz Condemns Violence During TLP Protests
Addressing the gathering, Maryam Nawaz expressed strong disapproval of the violent incidents that occurred during the TLP protests. She described the scenes as something one cannot imagine, referring to vehicles being set on fire, roads blocked, and public infrastructure damaged.
Vehicles assigned for cleaning were set ablaze. Roads were blocked, causing difficulties for people, she said, highlighting the chaos caused by the protests. The Punjab chief minister criticized the banned group for acting on its own whims, stating that such actions had brought shame upon religious leaders and parties across the country.
TLP Sit-In and Confrontations with Police
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) had previously announced plans to stage a sit-in outside the US Embassy in Islamabad to show solidarity with Gaza. However, security forces and administrative authorities blocked their routes, especially across Punjab, to prevent any escalation. The group’s protest camp in Muridke was dismantled, leading to violent confrontations between police and TLP supporters.
Referring to the incident, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed that it was the government’s duty to ensure the safety of its citizens and diplomatic missions. Embassies around the world are respected and given protection,she said. Our government will not allow anyone to disrupt peace under the pretext of protest.
Questioning TLP’s Motives
Maryam Nawaz questioned the motives behind the TLP’s call to protest despite a peace agreement already being in place for Gaza. “How was it solidarity with Palestine when calls were made to attack Islamabad after the Gaza peace agreement?” she asked. She accused the banned group’s workers of taking to the streets armed and making “unnecessary demands” of the government that had no relation to the Palestinian cause.
The Punjab chief minister stressed that genuine solidarity with oppressed people should come through peaceful means, not through actions that spread fear or violence among Pakistanis.
A Call for Religious Unity and Responsibility
During her address, Maryam Nawaz urged religious parties and scholars to play a constructive role in society by distancing themselves from extremist elements. She emphasized that unity among religious leaders was crucial for maintaining social harmony and promoting the true teachings of Islam.
The purpose of seminaries and mosques is to impart religious knowledge and guide people toward peace,she said, adding that Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rahman’s leadership would ensure that the institutions formerly linked with the banned group return to their intended purpose.
Linking the Situation to Past Political Unrest
Drawing parallels to the May 9 riots, Maryam Nawaz commented that political violence had never benefited any party in Pakistan’s history. The downfall of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) began when the party took up arms, she said. If PTI had continued its political struggle peacefully, no one would have objected.
She further emphasized that her own party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had never resorted to violence during its political struggle. We faced difficult times, but we never picked up weapons, she said, reinforcing her stance against political violence.
Security Measures and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities have reported that during raids on TLP offices, large caches of weapons were discovered, raising serious concerns about the group’s intentions. Maryam Nawaz questioned why a religious-political group claiming to represent Islam’s message of peace would need to stockpile arms.
The Punjab government has stated that the whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Rizvi and his brother Anas Rizvi remain unknown, though law enforcement agencies are actively seeking their arrest. Officials have assured the public that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in spreading violence or undermining state authority.
A Step Toward Stability
The Maryam Nawaz government’s decision to transfer TLP seminaries to Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rahman is seen as an effort to restore peace and prevent the misuse of religious platforms. The move underscores her administration’s focus on ensuring that religious institutions remain dedicated to education, unity, and moral development rather than becoming hubs of political unrest.
As the Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz continues to advocate for moderation, dialogue, and responsible leadership among religious and political circles. Her stance sends a clear message: Pakistan’s progress and peace depend on rejecting extremism and reaffirming faith in education, tolerance, and law and order.
The Maryam Nawaz government’s latest action is not just a response to a crisis but a strategic step toward rebuilding trust between the state, religious institutions, and the people — paving the way for a more stable and inclusive Pakistan.
