Punjab govt forms JITs to probe cases against banned TLP

Lahore (Web Desk): The Punjab government has set up 12 joint investigation teams to probe cases linked to the banned extremist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

A notification from the provincial Home Department stated that seven of these teams will handle cases in Lahore, while the remaining five will focus on Sheikhupura.

As per the notification, each team will include personnel from the police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and intelligence agencies, and will investigate cases registered under terrorism laws and other serious legal provisions.

The decision comes after the police requested the formation of JITs, reporting that more than 2,000 TLP supporters have been arrested in connection with 75 cases against the proscribed group.

This development follows the federal government’s recent move to officially declare the TLP a banned organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The ban came after violent demonstrations erupted last month when police cleared a protest camp in Muridke, leading to clashes that claimed the lives of a police station house officer (SHO) and three others, including a bystander.

Following the unrest, the Punjab government urged the Centre to impose a ban on the party, which was subsequently approved.

The provincial administration also plans to request federal support for taking action against the TLP in other provinces.