The government decided on Wednesday (27 October), a day after a summit of the country’s civil and military authorities, to defeat the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) by any means necessary, and concluded that the army, Rangers, and police would prevent TLP marchers from accessing the federal capital.
The federal cabinet made the decision during a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan, after which Rangers were requisitioned in Punjab for a period of 60 days to ensure peace and order.
The administration stated explicitly that it would not be able to meet the TLP’s demand to close the French embassy in Pakistan, and that there was no French ambassador in the country.
At a post-cabinet meeting press conference, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry stated that the TLP lacked the status and quantity of guns that the other organizations possessed. Adding to this, he said, “The cabinet has decided to treat TLP as a militant organization and it will be crushed as other such groups have been eliminated. The Pakistani state has defeated major terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda.”
Furthermore, he said, “Yesterday PM chaired a meeting which was attended by the military leadership and representatives of intelligence agencies and relevant authorities. It was decided that the TLP would no more be dealt as a political party but as a militant organization and it would not be tolerated anymore.”
The government has information, according to the minister, that the TLP was supported by Indian parties that also used social media to attack Pakistan. As a result, the minister added, the cabinet resolved to use the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to crack down on individuals spreading “false news,” adding that some journalists were also exploiting social media for propaganda.
Mr Chaudhry stated that the TLP would no longer be allowed to contest the state’s writ and that it would be considered as a “militant” group rather than a religious one.
The TLP, he claimed, was founded in 2015, and its strategy has been to go out on the roads and obstruct them since then. “However, the state’s patience has a limit.” People had a right to their “ideas,” he argued, but they couldn’t be permitted to pick up arms if they weren’t heard.
Fawad Chaudhry said, “In today’s cabinet meeting, it was decided that such activities will not be tolerated.” In addition, he said that no one should view the state as a weak organization because whoever made this mistake, later realized that they were wrong.
Six police officers were killed, and more than 700 people were injured in fights with TLP members, according to the minister. In the last two days, at least three police officers have been killed, and more than 49 have been injured.
Sheikh Rasheed informs about deployed rangers
“We have decided to deploy Rangers in Punjab for 60 days to maintain peace and order in the province, like Karachi,” Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said during a press conference. Furthermore, on the requisition of the provincial government, Rangers were deployed in Punjab under Section 4 (2) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, read with Article 147 of the Constitution.
He cautioned that if the TLP continued to act in this manner, it may be designated as a worldwide terrorist organization. He stated that in such a case, “nothing will be under our control in that situation.”
Pakistan is under strain, the minister added, emphasizing the need for peace in the country. Certain “international powers” intended to put sanctions on Pakistan, he said, and “had their eyes on the country’s nuclear program.”
TLP used automatic weapons
Sheikh Rasheed said that TLP employed automatic firearms against the police, who were just using baton charges and tear gas shells.
Moreover, he said he had asked the Federal Investigation Agency to take stern action against anyone propagating bogus news on social media, alluding to TLP claims regarding worker casualties.
Mr. Rashid claimed that the TLP had failed to deliver on its promise to clear the roads. He added, “Due to the protests, the administration cannot keep schools and hospitals closed.”
The minister encouraged Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of the Pakistan Democratic Movement, to recognize the gravity of the situation.
Sheikh Rashid said, “I assured them that the French ambassador is not even in Pakistan, but TLP activists are still on roads which shows that they have some another agenda.”
