Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari is facing security concerns after the defunct Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) issued a warning over her comments on proposed changes to the country’s anti-terrorism law.
The warning came in a September 4 press release responding to Bukhari’s remarks on an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which provides the legal framework for prosecuting terrorism-related offences.
Bukhari had raised the possibility of using a proposed provision for in-camera trials — proceedings conducted privately rather than in an open courtroom — in cases registered under Section 295-C concerning blasphemy.
She said such proceedings could help protect people accused of blasphemy from mob violence.
TLP rejected the suggestion, alleging that it was intended to facilitate those facing blasphemy accusations.
In its statement, the group warned that anyone who crossed its stated “red line” on the issue “will become a lesson”.
The statement also invoked longstanding disputes between the group and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Among the issues cited were the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, a 2014 agreement with the European Union (EU) concerning blasphemy laws, and the recent sentencing of TLP Central Vice President Pir Syed Zahir Hassan Shah.
Security analysts said the language used in the statement warrants heightened vigilance by law enforcement agencies regarding the minister’s security.
Blasphemy allegations have, in some cases, triggered mob violence, a concern Bukhari cited when discussing the possible use of closed-door proceedings.
The controversy comes amidst discussions of proposed amendments to the ATA in the context of how sensitive cases can be handled while protecting those involved from potential violence.
