The future of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan

In Blog, Human Security, National Security
January 5, 2022
Mahnoor Islam
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The Government announced that an agreement had been reached with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after negotiations were held between the two parties. While one of the central demands of the TLP was the expulsion of the French ambassador from Pakistan, it seems to be an achievement for the government that they managed to persuade the

The Government announced that an agreement had been reached with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after negotiations were held between the two parties. While one of the central demands of the TLP was the expulsion of the French ambassador from Pakistan, it seems to be an achievement for the government that they managed to persuade the party to waive off these demands. The government has also revoked the TLP’s proscribed status and removed the group’s name from the First Schedule of the Anti- Terrorism Act 1997. Whether this deal is just a temporary distraction by the TLP or if they will actually follow through on the deal is a question only time will tell.

The violence and chaos resulted in the destruction of moveable and immovable properties along with the deaths of several policemen. This is not the first time a TLP protest has happened as such incidents and protests have happened quite a few times. In fact, it’s becoming a recurring event now. Keeping this in mind, it is questionable whether the notification to end revocation of the TLP’s proscribed status seems to be the only way for the government to resolve the issue in a peaceful manner without letting the situation get worse.

The TLP has been forgiven for its use of violence that led to the deaths of at least seven policemen. This time, the leadership and incarcerated supporters of the TLP are in the process of being released without any action against them. This goes on to show that the process of mainstreaming and legitimizing the TLP is moving forward.

Despite the restrictions that the TLP faces, the TLP has done well in the previous elections of Pakistan, achieving strong third-place results in dozens of seats across Punjab. The TLP’s main support comes from the urban and rural lower-middle classes and traders and the supporters are a force to be reckoned with. The country has witnessed its power many times. While the deal does seem to neutralize the situation, for now, Pakistan needs to make sure that chaos by the TLP workers is avoided and the State needs to to evaluate its approach towardsTLP abide by the agreement.

The lifting of the ban means that the TLP shall now be able to take part in political activities in Pakistan. This can have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan which is trying to improve its image in the international community. Pakistan needs to move very carefully in order to ensure that there is no trouble caused by the TLP in the future especially on demands like the expulsion of ambassadors.

It is likely that the TLP will keep growing from strength to strength on the basis of its ability to challenge the state and cause havoc unless the government realizes the gravity of the problem and the power of the TLP. Besides negotiations, the only other option seems to be the use of force which seldom yields the required result. Therefore, negotiations are the only immediately available option.

The Government needs to properly plan and take action against those who threaten the country’s security situation in the long term. An issue as sensitive as this needs to be tackled sensibly. Pakistan needs to develop a cohesive, holistic policy, which is agreed upon by all parties and is therefore acceptable to them in times of need. Imran Khan and his government also need to stand firmly behind the decisions they have taken.

There are no convenient and easy answers of handling organizations such as the TLP. Branding the TLP as a militant organization and cracking down on them is not the solution as the party has now become a bona fide political entity that has a very large following with great street power. It needs to look past short-term solutions, such as postponement of TLP’s demands, or promises which may not be fulfilled later on. The government needs to think of a long-term plan. It needs to evaluate previous strategies and stick to the National Action Plan which was agreed upon by all other political parties as well.