LAHORE: Under growing pressure from religious circles, the Punjab government on Wednesday announced that mosques and seminaries formerly run by the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) would now be managed by a group of moderate clerics. The move follows a decision by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to ensure peace and prevent extremist elements from using religious spaces for political purposes.
Earlier, the provincial government had transferred the administrative control of 300 mosques and 125 seminaries from the TLP to the Auqaf Department. In a meeting of the Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen Committee, chaired by CM Maryam, it was decided that their management would be handed over to Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahle Sunnat Pakistan, led by Mufti Muneebur Rehman.
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Maryam Nawaz emphasized that religion must not be misused for personal or political agendas. She also ordered the release of TLP supporters found innocent during investigations, instructing officials to escort them home respectfully. The CM rejected social media claims that hundreds were killed in recent Muridke clashes, in which eight people, including a policeman, died and over 1,600 were injured.
وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی زیر صدارت اتحاد بین المسلمین کمیٹی کا غیر معمولی اجلاس۔۔۔
اجلاس میں تنظیم المدارس اہل سنت کے سربراہ مفتی منیب الرحمان کی خصوصی شرکت۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/NtYxBhA6Cm— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) October 29, 2025
Maryam further condemned the recovery of modern weapons from TLP activists, calling their possession “a threat to the state and police.” She stated that while the government respects peaceful religious leaders, it would continue to act against those promoting violence and division.
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In addition, the CM announced a monthly stipend of Rs25,000 for imams of all 65,000 mosques in Punjab, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting religious harmony and responsible leadership within the community.