An intelligence agency has cast aspersions over the activities of some religious outfits and has advised the government to take immediate steps to stop them from becoming ‘pressure groups’, The Express Tribune has learnt.
One such group, according to a report by the agency, Sunni Tehreek is not only becoming politically active but is also morphing into a militant outfit. Jamatud Dawa (JuD) is holding public rallies and protests to influence the government on its peace overtures, the report added.
The report also recommended that certain organisations be kept under strict surveillance, particularly Sunni Tehreek and Jamatud Dawa (JuD).
It further recommended that public display of strength by such outfits be checked through legal action.
The report further revealed that sectarian tenor has become an integral character of religious parties, adding that the release of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi leaders Malik Ishaq and Ghulam Rasool Shah has contributed to the intensified Shia-Sunni tension.
According to the report, the recent bomb blast in Rahim Yar Khan district shows that sectarian environment continues to be volatile.
The report revealed that the number of untraceable persons on the fourth schedule is on the rise, which shows that the groups are active and evading surveillance.
Actions required
The report stated that the police and local administration must not allow persons placed on the fourth schedule to violate the Anti Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997.
Strict legal action against defaulters be ensured; Malik Ishaq and Ghulam Rasool (both on the fourth schedule) be kept under strict surveillance and surety bonds be obtained from them under ATA,1997, it added.
The report further suggested that concerted efforts to trace missing persons on the list of the fourth schedule be ensured and all efforts be exhausted to track down perpetrators of low intensity blasts in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur and the high intensity bomb blast in Rahim Yar Khan.
Wall chalking should be removed, the circulation of subversive material should be stopped and legal action should be taken against person (s) involved in this practice, the report added. It also suggested that mushrooming of madarassas and their objectionable activities must be controlled through a registration campaign and violation of loud speakers should not be tolerated.
Following the agency’s report, the police and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure the implementation of 17 points issued by the Punjab home department in a circular entitled ‘Security environment–trend and actions required’.
The home department asked all district police chiefs and administration heads to ensure necessary action.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2012.
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