JITs to probe cases against TLP in Punjab

LAHORE: Amid ongoing crackdown against the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the Punjab government has formed 12 joint investigation teams (JITs) to probe cases against the banned party.

A notification issued by the provincial Home Department said seven JITs will investigate the cases in Lahore, whereas five will cater to those registered in Sheikhupura.

The JITs, which include representatives of the police, Counter -Terrorism Department (CTD) and intelligence agencies, will look into cases registered under terrorism and other serious provisions.

The development comes in response to the request for JITs by the police which have said that more than 2,000 miscreants belonging to the TLP have been arrested in relation to 75 cases against the proscribed party.

The development is to be taken against the backdrop of the federal government's decision to declare the TLP a proscribed outfit under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) last month.

The move followed a series of fierce demonstrations by the TLP that erupted last month after police dismantled a protest camp in Muridke, leading to confrontations that resulted in the death of a police station house officer (SHO) and three others, including a passerby.

In light of the violence, the Punjab government had requested the Centre to impose a ban on the TLP — which was eventually accepted by the federal government.

Separately, the provincial government also has decided to request the federal government for crackdown against TLP in other provinces as well.

A spokesperson said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a meeting on the province's law and order situation, and added that the government had dismantled the infrastructure of the extremist and terrorist network.

Modern weapons, bullets, bulletproof jackets and other equipment have been recovered from the hideouts of the proscribed party, the spokesperson added.