How a Political Party Can Be Banned in Pakistan: Legal Procedure Explained

LAHORE: The **Punjab government** has formally **recommended a ban on the religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP)** to the federal government, citing evidence of violent activities and attacks on security forces.

Punjab Information Minister **Uzma Bukhari**, in a press conference, said that “no one will be allowed to impose their ideology in the name of religion,” adding that the protest call was made even after a **ceasefire in Gaza**.

TLP had announced a **“Gaza March”** from Lahore to Islamabad to protest outside the **U.S. Embassy**, which led to violent clashes between police and party workers in **Muridke**, resulting in the deaths of **five people**, including a police officer, and injuries to dozens. The **Punjab Police** have since arrested more than **3,000 individuals** involved in the unrest.

### **How Can a Political Party Be Banned in Pakistan?**

Under the **Constitution of Pakistan**, the **federal government** has the authority to **ban any political or religious organization** that is deemed to be **working against national security or public order**.

The process begins when the **Ministry of Interior** submits a **summary** recommending a ban to the **federal cabinet**. Once approved, the **Interior Ministry issues a formal notification**, and the **Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)** **delists** the party, effectively **revoking its registration**.

As a result, **all representatives of the banned party lose their assembly membership** unless they formally declare their disassociation from the party before the notification is issued.

The banned organization, however, has the **right to appeal** to the **Supreme Court of Pakistan** within **15 days** of the federal government’s decision. If the Supreme Court **upholds the ban**, the party is **officially dissolved**, its **offices sealed**, **assets seized**, and **bank accounts frozen**. The party and its leaders also become **ineligible to contest future elections**.

### **Past Bans on Political and Religious Parties**

In **April 2021**, the **Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)** government had also imposed a **ban on TLP** under **anti-terrorism laws**.

Several other religious-political groups have faced similar bans in the past, including **Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan**, **Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan**, **Tehrik-e-Jafaria Pakistan**, and **Millat-e-Islamia Pakistan**.

Legal experts note that **Article 17 of the Constitution** requires all political parties to **disclose their financial sources**, further reinforcing transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s political system.