"The ban follows a march by the party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), earlier this month from the eastern city of Lahore to the capital city, Islamabad. It escalated into a vicious street battle between TLP supporters and police in Lahore and the nearby city of Murdike, leading to a crackdown on the party, which has come to be known for these violent confrontations."
"According to Pakistan's blasphemy laws, people who insult Islam or Islamic figures can face a possible death sentence. The TLP demands death as a punishment, and human rights groups say the party's supporters sometimes carry out brutal mob lynchings even before people accused of blasphemy go on trial. Pakistan has seen a significant spike in blasphemy cases in recent years, in line with the TLP's rise."
Pakistan banned the hard-line Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after a march from Lahore to Islamabad escalated into violent street battles that left at least five people dead. The federal cabinet unanimously approved the ban, citing "violent and terrorist activities." The TLP has amassed considerable grassroots support for hard-line views on blasphemy and demands death for alleged offenders; human rights groups report supporters sometimes carry out brutal mob lynchings before trials. Pakistan's blasphemy cases have spiked alongside the TLP's rise. The TLP traces roots to post-2011 reactions to the assassination of Punjab governor Salman Taseer.
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