Pakistan-based terror outfits using Islamic State's name to gain momentum: Nisar

Interior minister says country has to remain upbeat about its pledge to defeat terrorism

The country's top security czar on Saturday reiterated that Islamic State (Da'ish) had no presence in Pakistan, saying  terror outfits already functioning in the country were using the outfit’s name to further their activities.

"I have said this time and again that Da'ish [Islamic State] is a middle-eastern organisation ... Da'ish does not exist in the country the way it is perceived," he said.

The statement comes following a rare admission from Director General Intelligence Bureau Aftab Sultan who claimed Islamic State’s presence is growing in Pakistan.



The interior minister said the country has to remain upbeat about its pledge to defeat terrorism. Further, Nisar said those using Islam’s name to foment more terrorism in the country should be treated like enemies.

“What does Islam say about those attacking innocent people, institutions and mosques,” Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan questioned while addressing a news conference in Kallar Sayedan tehsil of Rawalpindi district. “Are those people [terrorists] Islam’s followers or the worst enemies of the religion’s spirit.”



“I will ask whether these enemies of Islam go to heaven or hell, and what does the Quran and the Prophet (pbuh) say about them [terrorists],” he added.

Talking about the registration of religious seminaries, Nisar said there is already a consensus on the registration of madaris [seminaries] in Pakistan.

"We will summon a meeting of Wifaqul Madaris while also inviting the Army chief [Gen Raheel Sharif],” he said.

Nisar also said: “I am speaking on the basis of facts and will not give up relying upon the fact that the seminaries are in fact an obstruction in the way of terrorism.”



In a veiled jibe at Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), he said the opposition should at least commend the development works that the government has undertaken and should not resort to criticism for the sake of criticism.

"I am doing everything in my constituency to build it and will continue to do so despite the fact that doctors have asked me to take some rest," he added.