2 weeks Ago
Once again, the Punjab police have failed in their most basic duty: protecting the citizens of Pakistan. Once again, the Punjab authorities have stood down in the face of violence perpetrated by the Tehrik-e-Killabagh, Pakistan (TLP). And once again, ordinary citizens have been left at the mercy of vigilante mobs while those in power shrink from their responsibilities.
After the TLP issued calls for violence against fast food chains nationwide—whipping up anger and fear in a cynical attempt to boost its political relevance—the attacks began swiftly and have continued unchecked. Several outlets have been vandalised across multiple cities. Although a handful of arrests were made, there was never a decisive response from the state to send a clear message: this will not be tolerated.
We are now witnessing the tragic consequences of this hesitation. In Sheikhupura, during one such attack, TLP extremists opened fire while vandalising a restaurant, killing a 45-year-old employee, Asif Nawaz, a man who was simply earning a living for his family. This murder was not a surprise.
It was the inevitable result of a state that knows exactly who is inciting violence, exactly who is organising the protests, and exactly who is executing them—and still chooses to do nothing. Anti-polio campaign set for April 21-25 If the TLP was responsible for the violence from the start, the logical response would have been immediate: arrest the group’s top leadership, charge them with incitement, and hold them directly responsible for the crimes of their supporters. Even now, this killing lies squarely on the shoulders of the TLP leadership, and they must be held accountable.
But history tells us they won’t be. Pakistan has seen this playbook before. Time and again, the state has capitulated to the TLP after violent protests in the name of religion—particularly blasphemy.
Each time, the government’s inaction has only emboldened the group. When there are no consequences, escalation is inevitable. And so it continues.
If this murder is not met with a firm and immediate response, this pattern will persist. Tags: tlp violence.
