TLP challenges ban notification
ISLAMABAD: The proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Monday filed a review petition against the ban imposed on it last month.
The party has challenged the notification issued on Oct 24 by interior ministry that placed the party in the First Schedule of proscribed organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997, a day after the Punjab government’s proposal in this regard was ratified by the federal cabinet.
Since the party under the regulations has the right to appeal to a review committee comprising interior and law ministry officers within 30 days, the TLP moved the appeal before the expiry of the deadline.
The petition argues the SRO No 2011(I)/2025 was issued without due consideration of earlier administrative and legal actions. It contains supporting documents annexed with the application including the 2021 notification of proscription, its restoration as a political entity by the ECP, the subsequent notification removing TLP from the proscribed list, and an ‘agreement’ between the federal government and the party.
Advocates Burhan Moazzam Malik and Sajjad Akbar Abbasi, who filed the application, maintain the ministry’s latest move contradicts earlier commitments of the government and established legal processes. The interior ministry is expected to examine the petition and accompanying record before deciding to uphold, amend, or withdraw the October notification. If the petition is rejected, the TLP has the right to move the apex court.
Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2025
