LAHORE: The Punjab government has formed 12 joint investigation teams (JITs) to investigate several cases registered against the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore and Sheikhupura. The development emerged on Wednesday after the provincial home department issued a series of notifications. Eleven notifications were dated November 6, while one notification was issued on October 31.
According to the documents, the government ordered the formation of five JITs under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 for cases registered in Sheikhupura. Four of these cases originate from Muridke tehsil, while one comes from Ferozewala tehsil. Another seven JITs have been formed to investigate an equal number of cases in Lahore. Three cases were registered in Nawankot, three in Shahdara Town and one in the Ravi Road area.
JITs Assigned to Probe Terror-Related Cases
In Sheikhupura, each JIT will include six members. These members include a Superintendent of Police, a Sub-Divisional Police Officer, a Station House Officer, an Investigating Officer, and a Counter-Terrorism Department representative in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. The JITs may also include any co-opted member.
In Lahore, each JIT will have five members. These teams will include the SP Investigation, DSP Investigation, the Investigating Officer, a CTD representative in the rank of DSP and any co-opted member. The notifications added that the convener must nominate one member for submitting the investigation report, as required by Section 19(1) of the ATA 1997.
Crackdown on TLP Intensifies Across Punjab
The Punjab government has intensified its crackdown on the banned outfit following its recent violent clashes with law enforcement personnel in Muridke. The clashes erupted after the group attempted to march toward Islamabad to protest in support of Gaza and Palestine. Reports indicated that several workers attacked law enforcement agencies, prompting the federal government to impose a formal ban.
Authorities continue to search for TLP Chief Saad Rizvi and his brother Anas Rizvi, who have not been located despite extensive efforts. Both have been declared high-profile targets in more than 100 first information reports. On October 29, they were placed on the Provisional National Identification List to restrict foreign travel.
A senior police officer said Lahore police have arrested at least 1,250 key members of the group. These arrests include financiers and workers involved in over 100 criminal cases. He added that Lahore remains the operational hub of the outfit, making it central to the ongoing crackdown.
Police prepared a list of targeted members based on geofencing data from routes used during the group’s march. Another list, distributed to all 85 police stations, identified financiers supporting the group. Daily raids continue as families of wanted individuals face increasing hardship. Many families have locked their homes and gone into hiding to avoid arrests.
