Mosques formerly linked to TLP to be managed by religious board
The Punjab government has decided to transfer the administration of mosques sealed following the federal ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, the chairman of Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan. The announcement was made after a special meeting of the Interfaith Harmony Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore.
According to an official statement issued by the provincial government, the decision aims to ensure that the management of these mosques remains under credible religious leadership while maintaining peace and sectarian harmony across Punjab. Mufti Muneeb, a senior cleric and respected scholar, was invited as the chief guest at the meeting.
Religious leaders back government’s peace efforts
The meeting brought together scholars from multiple Islamic schools of thought. They collectively expressed support for the Punjab government’s steps to preserve inter-sect unity and prevent the misuse of religious spaces for political agitation.
It was decided that the sealed mosques would be placed under the administrative control of Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan, an institution that oversees thousands of Sunni religious seminaries across the country. Additionally, individuals cleared of wrongdoing in connection with the recent unrest would be released immediately and allowed to return home with dignity.
Monthly stipends and protection of religious values
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also approved a monthly stipend of PKR 25,000 for mosque imams (prayer leaders) in Punjab. She emphasized that this financial support would reduce their dependence on public donations and improve transparency in mosque management.
She directed that religious symbols and sacred names must be treated with utmost respect, warning that any form of desecration or inflammatory speech from religious platforms would not be tolerated. No one will be allowed to use religion for political motives or spread hatred from places of worship, she said.
Condemnation of property damage and welfare for clerics
Maryam Nawaz also condemned recent incidents of vandalism, including the burning of vehicles used in the government’s Suthra Punjab (Clean Punjab) initiative. She stated that public resources belong to the people and their destruction cannot be justified under any circumstance.
As part of broader welfare reforms, the Punjab government will provide monthly stipends to around 65,000 clerics across the province, promoting stability and financial independence for mosque staff.
Context: Federal ban on TLP
The move follows the federal cabinet’s decision on 23 October, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to outlaw Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The decision was based on intelligence reports citing repeated incidents of violent protests, attacks on law enforcement, and disruptions to public order.
The Punjab government’s latest measures, including handing over mosque administration to Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, appear aimed at restoring calm and preventing further politicization of religion in the province.
