LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that the leadership of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) continuously provoked its workers to attack the police and incidents of police vehicles being seized at gunpoint were acts that no state could tolerate.
Addressing a press conference at the DGPR, Azma Bokhari expressed regret that riots and unrest were being justified in the name of Islam and Palestine, calling it a distortion of religious sanctity. She revealed that false propaganda about dead bodies was spread during TLP protests to incite public sympathy and chaos.
The minister clarified that the state is strictly implementing the decisions made regarding TLP and that the federal government will soon act upon the summary sent by the Punjab cabinet. She urged parents to prevent their children from participating in violent or destructive activities, warning that any youth found involved in such acts would be denied admissions, visas and government facilities.
Azma Bokhari disclosed that gold, rare watches, valuable items, and evidence of benami (undisclosed) properties were recovered from TLP chief Saad Rizvi’s residence, while 95 bank accounts linked to him have been frozen. She warned that individuals providing financial or political support to the banned outfit would face terrorism charges.
The minister said that the management of mosques and seminaries is being placed under the Auqaf Department to prevent any group from exploiting religion for political purposes. So far, 130 mosques have been taken into government control, while 223 seminaries have been geo-tagged.
Clarifying misconceptions, she said no graves were being relocated, but any attempts to raise funds or provoke sentiments in their name would not be allowed. She emphasized that the government’s operation was aimed at extremist elements, not against any sect or religious group.
Azma Bokhari remarked that TLP and “Tehreek-e-Fasad” were two sides of the same coin, both using religion for political gains. “The Holy Prophet (PBUH) never harmed anyone nor uttered a curse — those who shed blood in the name of religion cannot claim to be his followers,” she stated.
She reaffirmed that the government would not allow pressure groups to destabilize the country. “Anyone conspiring against peace and stability will face the full force of law,” she warned. Highlighting ongoing development and welfare initiatives, the minister said that the Chief Minister’s promises were being fulfilled swiftly. Financial aid cheques for flood victims have been distributed across 15 districts, while 33 mobile police stations — including 7 pink mobile units for women — have been established. “Just as healthcare facilities are being brought to people’s doorsteps, access to justice and law will also be ensured,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that the country should act as a “hard state” to curb extremism, as religious extremist groups formed in the name of religion are unacceptable in any state.
His statement came days after the Punjab government sent a summary to the Centre seeking a ban on TLP after violent demonstrations in the province left many dead and scores injured. Speaking to Geo News, Asif declined to comment on whether a ban was being imposed on the TLP. “We have to become a hard state,” said Asif, adding that such religious extremist groups, which resort to violence and cause damage to property, cannot be tolerated in Pakistan.
He said that it was too late as such groups had been formed and encouraged for decades, adding: “Everyone knows who created them and for what purpose.” Asif asserted that from now on, the state would function strictly in accordance with the law, rules and the Constitution.
He said that he was unaware of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s statement about his workers getting ready to march towards Islamabad. He added that Fazl was “highly respectable” to him and refrained from commenting further.
