Lahore, October 15, 2025 — The Punjab government has decided to recommend to the federal authorities that a ban be imposed on a radical extremist group accused of inciting hatred, violence, and spreading chaos across the province. The decision came during a high-level law and order meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in which senior officials from the Home Department, police, and intelligence agencies participated.
According to an official statement released after the meeting, the Punjab government will formally send a recommendation to the federal government under the Anti-Terrorism Act to outlaw the organization. The leadership of the banned outfit will also be added to the Fourth Schedule of the Act, restricting their movement, public appearances, and financial activities.
“No group or individual will be allowed to spread hate, incite violence, or challenge the writ of the state,” the statement quoted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz as saying. “Those who endanger peace, attack police officers, or destroy public property will face strict legal consequences.”
Crackdown on Extremism and Hate Speech
The meeting emphasized the need for immediate arrests of individuals involved in hate-mongering, incitement, and lawbreaking. It was decided that law enforcement agencies will conduct coordinated operations to apprehend the group’s members and prevent the spread of extremist propaganda.
All public posters, banners, and advertisements associated with the extremist organization will be removed and banned, while its properties and financial assets will be seized and handed over to the Auqaf Department, the statement said.
The government also announced plans to shut down all social media accounts belonging to the organization and its affiliates. Additionally, all bank accounts associated with the group will be frozen, in coordination with the State Bank of Pakistan and federal intelligence units.
“Punjab will not tolerate any attempt to exploit religion or nationalism for political violence,” said a spokesperson for the provincial Home Department. “Extremist outfits that challenge the rule of law will be dismantled both financially and organizationally.”
Police Martyrs’ Cases and Legal Actions
The government confirmed that criminal proceedings will be initiated against those involved in the killing of police officers and the destruction of government property during past violent protests led by the extremist group. The cases will be tried under anti-terrorism laws, and the prosecution has been instructed to ensure swift trials with maximum punishments for the culprits.
Legal experts and senior police officials have been directed to prepare comprehensive case files to ensure that no accused person escapes justice through procedural loopholes.
Weapons Control Measures
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a comprehensive crackdown on illegal firearms across Punjab. The Home Department issued a one-month ultimatum for citizens to surrender any unlicensed weapons, warning that failure to comply will result in non-bailable criminal charges.
Citizens with legally owned firearms have been directed to register their weapons at government service centers (Khidmat Marakiz) within a month. Meanwhile, all arms dealers and weapon shop owners will undergo inventory inspections to verify their stock and ensure compliance with provincial regulations.
The Punjab government also announced a complete ban on the issuance of new weapon licenses, pending a full review of existing records. Moreover, the provincial cabinet approved an amendment to increase the punishment for illegal arms possession, raising the sentence to 14 years in prison and fines up to Rs 2 million.
“Illegal weapons are a major source of criminal violence and terrorism,” said a senior police officer. “This initiative aims to cleanse Punjab of unregistered arms that fuel extremism and sectarian unrest.”
Regulation of Arms Manufacturing
In addition to local enforcement, the Punjab government will recommend that the federal government regulate all arms factories and manufacturers across the country. The goal is to bring the arms production industry under strict oversight to prevent the illegal sale and distribution of weapons that often end up in the hands of criminal or extremist networks.
Enforcement of Loudspeaker Act
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Loudspeaker Act, stressing that violations will not be tolerated. Use of loudspeakers for spreading sectarian or extremist rhetoric will lead to immediate arrest and cancellation of mosque management committees involved in violations.
Broader Security and Policy Implications
Political observers note that this decision reflects Punjab’s growing resolve to confront extremist elements that have long operated under religious or political covers. Following the surge in hate-based violence and targeted attacks on law enforcement personnel, the provincial government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of radical mobilization.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, addressing the meeting, said:
“The protection of citizens, the stability of the province, and the preservation of Pakistan’s moderate identity are our top priorities. The era of appeasing extremist groups is over. We will not allow any organization to destabilize Punjab under the guise of religion or politics.”
Coordination with Federal Agencies
The Punjab Home Department will now coordinate with the Federal Interior Ministry, FIA, and Nacta (National Counter Terrorism Authority) to finalize the ban recommendation. Once approved, the Ministry of Interior will issue a formal notification, enabling federal agencies to block financial channels, restrict travel, and prosecute those associated with the banned organization under terrorism financing and sedition laws.
Security analysts say the Punjab government’s measures are likely to reshape counter-extremism policy in Pakistan by demonstrating that provincial administrations can take strong initiatives against domestic radical threats rather than relying solely on federal action.
