Punjab govt forms 71 JITs to probe cases against banned TLP

LAHORE: The Punjab government has constituted 71 joint investigation teams (JITs) to probe cases registered against the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), officials confirmed on Wednesday.

According to an officer of the Punjab Home Department, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the JITs have been formed in districts where clashes between TLP and police were reported even in oldest cases as well. Of the total teams, seven will conduct investigations in Lahore and five in Sheikhupura, while the remaining JITs have been set up in other districts across the province.

Punjab Police had requested for formation of these JITs to pursue more than 75 cases registered against TLP. Over 2,000 individuals have been nominated in these cases, and several arrests have already been made.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government further tightened restrictions on TLP as part of a decisive zero-tolerance strategy, with senior officials confirming that the province has activated an extensive enforcement and surveillance plan to prevent any activity related to the upcoming urs of Khadim Hussain Rizvi, founder of the banned party.

Officials said all districts have been directed to ensure “absolutely no activity” on November 19, 20 and 21, dates traditionally observed by the TLP followers. They said field officers have been clearly instructed that implementation of the ban on urs gatherings and death anniversary events must be maintained without exception, adding that any violation will be viewed as a serious administrative lapse.

Senior officials also disclosed that the government has initiated the process for dedicating a full Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore exclusively for TLP-linked cases. The move, they said, aims to fast-track prosecutions, remove judicial delays and ensure day-to-day hearings for early decisions.

In a related development, the names of TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, his brother Hafiz Muhammad Anas, and more than 650 active members of the proscribed organisation have been placed on the Fourth Schedule across Punjab, The News has learnt.