TLP Crackdowns: Arrests, Hostage Crises, and Political Revival

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has long been a polarizing force in Pakistan’s political landscape, known for its hardline stance on blasphemy laws and frequent street protests that often turn violent. Founded in 2015 by cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the party has mobilized large crowds around religious issues, leading to repeated clashes with authorities. Recent events in October 2025 have once again put TLP in the spotlight, with the Punjab government pushing for a federal ban after deadly protests. This comes against a backdrop of past bans, arrests, and legal restrictions that highlight the group’s turbulent history.

Key Points

• Recent Push for Ban: Research suggests the Punjab government’s October 2025 recommendation to ban TLP stems from violent clashes during protests in support of Palestine, which resulted in deaths and injuries, though the federal decision is pending.
• Historical Pattern: It seems likely that TLP has faced bans before, notably in 2021, which were lifted after negotiations, showing a cycle of restrictions and reversals amid public pressure.
• Arrests and Legal Actions: Evidence leans toward frequent arrests of leaders and activists, including on terrorism charges, with placements on the Fourth Schedule restricting movements and finances, but many have been released or removed over time.
• Other Restrictions: Reports indicate asset freezes, social media takedowns, and property handovers, but details on sealed mosques tied directly to TLP are limited, often linked instead to TLP-influenced actions against minority groups.
• Controversy: The topic involves debates over free speech, religious extremism, and state response, with views differing on whether TLP represents legitimate grievances or poses a security threat.

Reasons Behind the Latest Ban Recommendation

In mid-October 2025, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, announced plans to recommend a federal ban on TLP under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This followed violent protests starting October 10, where TLP supporters marched toward Islamabad for a sit-in at the U.S. embassy in solidarity with Palestinians. Clashes in Muridke injured dozens of police officers, led to vehicle arsons, and caused at least five deaths, including a police officer. Authorities responded with mass arrests and internet suspensions to restore order.

Past Cycles of Bans and Unbans

TLP’s history shows a pattern of short-lived bans. In April 2021, the group was banned after protests demanding the French ambassador’s expulsion over blasphemy issues, but the ban was lifted in November 2021 following agreements that included releasing detainees. Similar brief restrictions occurred in 2023 during a long march, reversed quickly after talks. These cycles often end with government concessions to avoid prolonged unrest.

Arrests, Fourth Schedule, and Other Measures

Over the years, key figures like founder Khadim Rizvi (arrested in 2018) and his son Saad Rizvi (detained in 2021 and reportedly injured in 2025 clashes) have faced arrests on sedition and terrorism charges. The Fourth Schedule, a watchlist under anti-terror laws, has been used to monitor and restrict TLP members, with over 100 clerics added in 2021, though many were later removed. Asset freezes and bank account suspensions have accompanied these actions. While direct sealing of TLP mosques isn’t widely reported, TLP pressure has led to police actions against Ahmadi mosques, such as vandalism in Punjab areas like Sangla Hill.

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) emerged in 2015 under Khadim Hussain Rizvi as a group focused on enforcing strict blasphemy laws and protecting religious sentiments in Pakistan. Over the years, it has grown into a significant political player, contesting elections and securing seats, but its methods—often involving massive street protests—have repeatedly brought it into conflict with the state. This has resulted in bans, arrests, and various restrictions, creating a cycle of crackdowns and concessions. As of October 2025, TLP faces another potential ban amid fresh violence, echoing patterns from its past.

The group’s rise began with high-profile agitations. In October 2017, TLP led a three-week sit-in at Faizabad Interchange in Islamabad against changes to election oaths perceived as weakening protections for the Prophet Muhammad. The protests paralyzed the capital, leading to clashes that killed six protesters and injured hundreds. They ended with a military-mediated deal, including the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid and cash payments to demonstrators, but no major arrests at the time.

By 2018, TLP’s actions intensified. After the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Asia Bibi in a blasphemy case, TLP organized nationwide road blockages and called for the judges’ deaths. This prompted an agreement barring Bibi from leaving Pakistan temporarily. Later that year, on November 23, Khadim Rizvi and around 50 members were arrested in “protective custody” to prevent a rally, charged with sedition and terrorism. A media blackout followed, with social media accounts suspended and the party’s website restricted. These measures highlighted early state efforts to curb TLP’s influence.

The most significant crackdown came in 2021. On April 12, Saad Rizvi— who took over after his father’s death in 2020—was arrested in Lahore under the Anti-Terrorism Act ahead of planned protests demanding the French ambassador’s expulsion over cartoons of the Prophet. This sparked violent demonstrations across cities, resulting in four police deaths, the abduction and torture of 11 officers, and widespread injuries. Protesters attacked police stations, stole vehicles, and held hostages, leading to two protester deaths in clashes.

In response, on April 15, 2021, the federal government banned TLP on Punjab’s recommendation, classifying it as a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Saad Rizvi was placed on the Fourth Schedule, a list for suspected terrorists that restricts travel, speeches, and financial activities, with his assets frozen. Over 100 TLP clerics were also added to this schedule, and the government sought to revoke TLP’s election symbol via the Election Commission. By late April, 669 of 733 arrested protesters were released, but cases continued in anti-terrorism courts.

Protests persisted into October 2021, with TLP demanding Rizvi’s release. After more violence, the government struck a deal on November 7, lifting the ban and removing TLP from the proscribed list. Saad Rizvi was freed on November 18, and by late 2021, 54 activists were removed from the Fourth Schedule. This unban allowed TLP to rebound, becoming the third-largest party in Punjab in subsequent elections.

In 2023, TLP faced brief restrictions during a long march from Lahore to Islamabad, but these were reversed within days after negotiations. That year, over 100 TLP members were arrested for involvement in the Jaranwala church arsons, where 21 Christian churches were burned amid allegations of Quran desecration. TLP’s role in inciting such violence drew criticism, though no full ban ensued.

Regarding sealed mosques, direct actions against TLP’s own facilities are not prominently documented. However, TLP has been accused of pressuring authorities to target minority groups, leading to vandalism and sealing of Ahmadi mosques in areas like Sangla Hill and Salimpur in Punjab. For instance, in August 2025, police registered terrorism cases against 300 people for arson against Ahmadi worship places in Dijikot, with TLP influence cited in similar incidents.

The latest chapter unfolded in October 2025. TLP organized protests starting October 10 for a sit-in at the U.S. embassy in Islamabad in support of Palestinians. Violence erupted in Muridke, with protesters injuring 48 police officers, setting vehicles ablaze, and prompting a six-hour police operation. At least five people died, including a police officer, and hundreds were arrested—around 2,700 in Punjab alone. A terrorism case was filed against TLP, and another against Saad Rizvi and 21 others. Rizvi reportedly went underground after being injured.

On October 16, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a meeting deciding to recommend a federal ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Measures include placing leadership on the Fourth Schedule, seizing assets and handing them to the Auqaf Department, banning posters and advertisements, freezing bank accounts, blocking social media, and enforcing the Loudspeaker Act. Trials for those accused of killing officers or damaging property will occur in anti-terrorism courts. This echoes the 2021 ban but comes after TLP’s electoral gains.

The following table summarizes key events in TLP’s history of restrictions:

Year	Event	Details
2017	Faizabad Sit-in	Three-week protests; no ban, but clashes led to deaths and injuries.
2018	Asia Bibi Protests and Arrests	Khadim Rizvi arrested on sedition; media blackout imposed.
2021 (April)	Ban Imposed	After Saad Rizvi’s arrest and violent protests; placed on Fourth Schedule, assets frozen.
2021 (November)	Ban Lifted	Agreement releases Rizvi; 54 activists removed from Fourth Schedule.
2023	Brief Restrictions and Arrests	Long march curbs reversed; 100+ arrested in Jaranwala arsons.
2025 (October)	Ban Recommendation	Post-Muridke clashes; mass arrests, asset seizures proposed.

This pattern raises questions about the effectiveness of bans in curbing extremism, as TLP often rebounds through negotiations. While supporters see it as defending faith, critics argue it fuels violence and sectarianism. As Pakistan grapples with these issues, the federal government’s response to the latest recommendation will be telling.

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