Federal cabinet approves Punjab govt's request for ban on TLP

The federal government on Thursday approved imposition of a ban on the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and directed the Interior Ministry to complete the legal formalities in this regard.

According to sources, the decision was taken at a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

The recommendation for the ban on TLP came from the Punjab government. According to the chargesheet, TLP leaders were involved in delivering hate speeches.

The religious group has been accused of involvement in sectarianism and inciting violence against minorities. It also resorted to violence and damaged public property during demonstrations.

Also at the cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz directed the federal institutions to refine existing strategies in light of constructive recommendations from experts and business leaders to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The prime minister held an extensive meeting with representatives from diverse industrial and business sectors to review proposals aimed at improving Pakistan’s economy and expanding investment opportunities, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government’s foremost priority was to facilitate industrial and business communities, reduce barriers for new enterprises, and promote investment-friendly reforms. “The federal government equally encourages both domestic and foreign investors, and resolving all possible obstacles to new business ventures remains among our top priorities,” he affirmed.

Highlighting the government’s economic agenda, the prime minister stated that expanding exports and establishing new industries could swiftly translate Pakistan’s positive economic indicators into long-term, sustainable growth. He reiterated that public-private cooperation is essential to achieve durable progress and transform macroeconomic stability into tangible national prosperity.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that making Pakistani products and enterprises competitive not only regionally but globally was central to the government’s economic vision, adding that efforts were underway to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in manufacturing and production sectors.

He assured the participants that federal ministries and relevant institutions were working tirelessly to convert recent economic stability into widespread welfare and development outcomes. “The government is taking effective steps to bring in international investment alongside strengthening domestic industries to ensure Pakistan’s economic advancement,” he said.

The meeting also deliberated on reducing industrial production costs, enhancing product competitiveness against regional markets, and exploring new avenues for international trade and investment.

Industry representatives, while appreciating the government’s reform measures and progress toward macroeconomic stabilization, observed that continued policy consistency and facilitation could make Pakistan a more attractive destination for investors.

The session was attended by Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Energy Sardar Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials from relevant ministries.