In a significant development, several prominent figures associated with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have announced their departure from the party and a complete withdrawal from active politics. The leaders cited serious disagreements with the party's central leadership, claiming certain decisions provided fodder for anti-Pakistan propaganda.
A Collective Departure Announced in Karachi
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club. Muhammad Nadeem, alongside TLP shura members Shabbir Ahmed, Amjad Naeem, Nazim-e-Aala Muhammad Waqas, and Muhammad Zaheer, declared their collective resolution to sever all ties with the party and political activities. They stated that their professional efforts would now be directed towards the education sector.
The dissenting leaders pointed to a period of internal conflict following the death of the party's founder, Khadim Hussain Rizvi. They expressed their inability to endorse specific decisions taken by the party's central Shura thereafter. According to them, these moves fostered chaos and division within the country and, critically, inadvertently handed India an opportunity for propaganda against Pakistan.
"We cannot be part of any policy that thrives on disorder and confrontation," they asserted during the press meet.
Reaffirming Core Beliefs While Exiting Politics
While stepping away from the TLP and political life, the leaders were careful to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the protection of the sanctity of Prophethood (peace be upon him). They pledged to continue this mission in a peaceful and constructive manner.
They described Pakistan as a great blessing from Allah Almighty and expressed their continued willingness to make sacrifices for the nation. Their future contributions, they stated, would be aimed at positively aiding the country's progress and prosperity through non-political means.
Background: TLP's Proscribed Status
This split occurs against the backdrop of the TLP's official proscription. In October of this year, the Ministry of Interior issued a notification banning the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. The notification, issued under Section 11B (1)(a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, stated that the federal government had "reasonable grounds to believe that TLP is connected and involved in terrorism".
The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, had unanimously approved the ban following a request from the Punjab government. The request cited the group's violent and extremist activities. An official briefing noted that "Since 2016, this organisation has fuelled agitation nationwide."
This marks the second time the group has been outlawed. It was first banned on April 15, 2021, under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, a ban that was later revoked on November 7 the same year.
