ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday condemned the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) for committing violence and vandalism under the pretext of protest, saying such actions could not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Tarar criticised the TLP’s recent demonstrations, which turned violent and resulted in property damage and loss of life.
He said the organisation had mobilised with firearms, daggers, and other weapons instead of engaging in peaceful protest. “Does any group have the right to come out on the streets and destroy public and private property when the entire world is observing peace in Gaza?” he asked.
Tarar pointed out that protests across the globe—from London and Rome to Sydney — had taken place peacefully to show solidarity with Palestine, but the TLP had resorted to chaos and confrontation. “Their actions reveal a premeditated attempt to destabilise the law-and-order situation,” he said.
Referring to the killing of a police inspector during clashes with demonstrators, the minister lamented the loss of life and questioned, “What was his fault? No religion or constitution permits the killing of law enforcement officers.”
He said the TLP’s violent behaviour contradicted the very values they claimed to represent. “They raise slogans of love for the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), yet their actions—burning property, attacking officers, and taking lives—stand in stark contrast to the Prophet’s teachings,” he remarked.
Tarar paid tribute to police officials who had performed their duties under difficult circumstances, noting that every officer had a family that anxiously awaited their safe return home each day. “Those who target them are not fighting for religion—they are attacking the state itself,” he said.
He contrasted the TLP’s violence with the recent peaceful rallies held by Jamaat-e-Islami to support Palestinians, calling it a model for responsible civic engagement. “The Constitution gives the right to protest, but it also lays down limits to ensure that right does not infringe on others’ safety or public order,” he emphasised.
The minister said the TLP’s actions appeared aimed at imposing their will by force rather than through lawful means. “This was not about Gaza or Palestine—it was about undermining the state’s authority,” he said.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace in Gaza, Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had consistently advocated for Palestinians at international forums, including at a recent gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh. “At that event, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas personally thanked the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan for their steadfast support,” he shared.
He said the Prime Minister’s consistent diplomacy, grounded in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, had been recognised globally and had brought a sense of hope and relief to Palestinians. “Residents of Gaza, the West Bank, and Rafah have expressed gratitude to Pakistan for standing by them through humanitarian and diplomatic channels,” he added.
Tarar reiterated that Pakistan would continue to raise its voice for oppressed people across the world, but would not allow anyone to exploit such causes for political gain or to justify violence. “No cause gives licence to destroy property, threaten lives, or challenge the state’s writ. The government will act decisively against those responsible,” he said.
The information minister reaffirmed that peaceful protest was a constitutional right, but it had to be exercised responsibly and within legal bounds. “We respect democratic freedoms, but there is zero tolerance for those who misuse religion or social causes to spread chaos,” he said.
Tarar concluded by stressing that the federal and provincial governments were aligned on maintaining public order and upholding the rule of law. “The message is clear: violence under the cover of protest will not be accepted at all. The state will ensure accountability and justice,” he said.
