The Ministry of Interior announced on Friday that TLP has been declared a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act, stating that the group was involved in terrorist activities. The notification said the government had placed the party on the banned list under Section 11(B), Subsection 1(A) of the act.
According to sources, the decision came after approval from the federal cabinet, following a recommendation by the Punjab government. The province had urged the federal authorities to impose the ban after the violent protest in Murīdke on October 13, which resulted in the deaths of several police personnel.
However, interior ministry officials clarified that this ban was not imposed under Article 17 of the Constitution — which governs political party regulation — but solely under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Therefore, the government did not consider it necessary to send a reference to the Supreme Court, as would be required if the party were being formally dissolved under constitutional provisions.
The interesting twist, however, is that TLP continues to appear on the ECP’s official list of political parties. Election Commission insiders explained that a political party can only be formally de-registered or banned through a reference under Article 17 of the Constitution, in accordance with Section 212 of the Elections Act.
Because the ban was imposed under the Anti-Terrorism Act — and not through constitutional channels — TLP technically remains a registered political entity. This means that, under current laws, the group is still eligible to contest upcoming general elections.
The Election Commission, sources said, is expected to hold a comprehensive meeting on Monday to deliberate on the legal and procedural implications of this situation and decide on the next course of action.
