ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday decided to lift the ban on Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) after it was blacklisted for violent anti-French protests prompted by anger at President Emmanuel Macron's defence of the right to publish blasphemous caricatures. Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) would again be allowed to take part in politics and hold rallies, an official said. "The process of lifting the ban has begun from today [Friday]. A committee will now complete legal and administrative requirements," the Interior Ministry official said, on condition of anonymity. The TLP members blocked highways, chocked streets and scuffled with police at protests to force the government to expel the French ambassador at protests earlier this month. The government reacted by arresting the group's chief and imposing a ban under the anti-terrorism laws that was meant to restrict the TLP from raising funds, holding rallies and taking part in politics.

But authorities had to give ground as it promised to lift the ban when the group's activists took several policemen hostage in Lahore.—dpa