Islamabad: The Interior Ministry has formally issued a notification declaring a religious party a banned organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.

According to the notification, the federal government has credible evidence that the organization is involved in activities deemed as terrorism, leading to the decision to include the religious party in the First Schedule of banned outfits under the ATA.

The move follows the federal cabinet’s approval of the ban a day earlier. After the notification, the religious party now stands officially proscribed across the country.

Sources within the government revealed that the Law Ministry has also initiated legal proceedings to solidify the ban. Following consultations with the Law Ministry and the Attorney General, a formal reference will be filed in the Supreme Court.

Officials said the reference will be submitted under clauses (2) and (3) of Article 17 of the Constitution, which outline the procedure for banning political parties involved in anti-state or terrorist activities.

Once filed, the Supreme Court will review the evidence presented by the federal government and decide on the ban after proceedings similar to a criminal trial.

The Interior Ministry’s notification reiterates the government’s commitment to curbing extremism and ensuring law and order. “No group or organization will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state,” the notification emphasized.