KARACHI: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar on Tuesday dismissed the presence of any Islamic State (IS) militants in the country.
"There is no presence of any group by this name in Pakistan," Nisar said, while addressing the 18th Rangers Recruitment Parade in Karachi.
His statement comes a few days after Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani denied claims of the presence of IS militants on ground in the province.
“The letter regarding the activity of IS was routine information of officers which had been passed to the federal government. There was nothing serious about IS in Balochistan,” Durrani told The Express Tribune, referring to media reports that the provincial government had sent a report to the federal government and law enforcement agencies warning of increased footprints of IS in the province.
In response to a question regarding the tragic incident at Wagah Border on November 2, which killed 61 people and injured several others, Nisar said, "A joint investigation team (JIT) was formed. A report is expected soon which will also be made public."
More than 7,000 people arrested during operation in Karachi
Nisar, while attending the parade, praised the efforts made by Rangers during the security operation in Karachi.
"For the past 14 months, more than 4,000 operations have taken place in Karachi and more than 7,000 have been arrested," the interior minister said.
He also paid tribute to former DG Sindh General Rizwan Akhtar -- now DG ISI -- and Rangers in their efforts to eradicate militants.
Nisar further said that once arrests are made, there should be effective and thorough investigations or this operation would be 'counterproductive', adding that he wants to ensure that the common man in Karachi is safe.
Punjab govt takes action against pro-IS men
As pro-IS slogans appeared on walls in several areas of Lahore, Lahore DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf on Tuesday registered an FIR against unidentified persons for calling for support for the militant group.
Last night, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif ordered IG Punjab Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhera to probe into the wall-chalkings around the city which led to the registration of the case today.
The case was registered under Section 153 in Nawab Town police station.
On the DIG’s orders, SP Saddar Division constituted a team to arrest those responsible. Earlier this month, the National Counter Terrorism Agency wrote to a dozen government agencies warning them to be on guard against the IS group.
“The successes of IS play a very dangerous, inspirational role in Pakistan, where more than 200 organisations are operational,” the agency said
COMMENTS (10)
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I see. So the FIR registered in the Nawab town area of Laore against some people for being IS supporters- what is that?FIR against ghosts is it? Must be the same hosts who are doing wall chalkings across length and breath of Pakistan in favor of IS.
Is he not the same gentleman who was lecturing Bangladesh how to deal with War Criminals that Bangladesh Court System had sentenced to death? This same gentleman had paralyzed the Capital Islamabad with Shipping Containers and massive road block because of PTI and PAT and arrival of TUQ? Now he pronounces there is no IS in Pakistan... which even far away lands like USA, UK, USA cannot make such tall claims. Does he still have credibility in Pakistan when he speaks?
ISIS is not one, two, a group or an army but an OCEAN of menace, without any ONE to lead or guide but it overruns, destroys and leaves a desert behind while all in front run out of fear to save their lives and those of their families, a Curse on the people who do not submit to the authority of God and day after day are engaged in killing fellow humans and denegrading and desecrating the human values in their midst. May God save and protect Pakistan what is left of it since most is being destroyed by the people themselves shooting in own's feet.
Rex Minor.
Couple of years back in Iran and Syria, IS terrorists started their activities covering their faces and without much noise but when they conquered vast areas and imposed their rule, people like Ch. Nisar knew their existence. Unlike Taliban, IS terrorists are smarter, wiser and more active than naïve leaders of Pakistan. They are already here in Pakistan but Ch. Nisar and others will deny their existence till its too late.
Just as he said Islamabad is the safest city in the country. And the extremists bombed the courts within a few days!! Not a bus stop or a market [which they have done in Islamabad]. But Superior Courts ! Where justice is dispensed! hallowed ground! With impunity. Just a few miles from Nawaz Sharif's govt. palace.
It would be unwise to close eyes or remain in denial of IS's presence in the country. Even India, has acknowledged that some of its citizens might have gone out of the country to join this group which is being seriously investigated here. TTP faction has openly acknowledged joining IS and other sectarian groups joining it cannot be ruled out as this barbaric group target only non-Muslims and Shias. A large number around tens of thousands joining IS cannot happen without presence of IS group members in Pakistan who would pose as a grave threat spreading their twisted ideology to target the said communities and state establishments in the country in pursuance of its objective.
Like all politician of Pakistan,Creditably is an issue, His comforting statement has no value, at least with the reading and writing class. signs are visible, For IS Pakistan is a Prize Trophy and they will not hesitate to get the Nuclear assets and Pakistan resources to advance their goals, Nisar should not e taking it lightly nor should he be lying about the issue.
IGNORANCE. Open your eyes
Wow! that's great news buddy. I think now I can relax and sleep tight.
Ofcourse there are no IS militants in Pakistan, yet!!. But they will come definitely after they have declassified the Egyptian military and their presence will be seen when they start their march from KPK to Karachi. You will then have plenty of time to oppose them with your guerellas. You better send your army to Iraq to get their acquintance by supporting Allied efforts to stop this new menace.
Rex Minor