ISLAMABAD: The strike call given by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) failed to gain support on Friday as routine life continued uninterrupted across the country, with major business centres and shopping malls bustling with people.
Life remained normal in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi, as all highways and roads in cities and towns stayed open to traffic with no reports of blockades or disruptions.
Offices, educational institutions, business hubs, and vegetable markets operated as usual, while transport services and commercial activity continued smoothly.
Religious scholars and clerics across the country also appealed to citizens to remain peaceful and stay away from any elements attempting to spread unrest.
Law enforcement agencies remained on high alert to respond to any potential situation, though officials confirmed that the overall law and order situation across Pakistan remained stable, with no reports of violence or disturbance.
No demonstrations in favour of the TLP were reported from any part of the country, as citizens largely rejected the group’s call for agitation.
Punjab govt asks centre to ban TLP
Earlier, the Punjab government had sent an official request to the federal government seeking a ban on the TLP.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari announced during a press conference on Friday that the provincial cabinet had approved the move.
Bukhari stated that the state “cannot back down from its responsibility under any circumstances,” adding that strict action would be taken against elements promoting extremism and violence.
Referring to recent violent protests, she condemned the actions of TLP and similar groups, noting that 200 police personnel were injured, 97 police vehicles destroyed, and 69 officers permanently disabled in clashes. “The martyred SHO was hit by 26 bullets. Is this what a peaceful protest looks like?” she remarked.
The minister further announced that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) would be invoked against individuals inciting violence or spreading hate online. “Cases will be registered against those posting inflammatory content on social media,” she warned, adding that a PECA case is also being recommended against former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan.