ISLAMABAD - Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) termed the reports of foreign ambassadors about the efforts of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to make inroads in Pakistan a matter of serious concern.
“The MQM sees the foreign ambassadors’ reports about Daish’s efforts to make inroads in different areas of Pakistan, including Karachi, with serious concern,” senior Muttahidda leader Farooq Sattar stated this while talking to The Nation.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain warned a week ago that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, popularly known as ISIS, was making efforts to penetrate into Pakistan and its flags could also be seen in Punjab.
“The government should see this matter seriously as it is better for federal and provincial governments to probe it,” said Farooq Sattar, adding the MQM would also raise this matter in the parliament to create awareness.
About particular reference to Karachi, Farooq Sattar said that Karachi is the hub of economic activities and generates over 70 per cent revenue for the country. “But, sadly terrorist activities are increasing in this metropolitan city,” he said, adding the MQM had earlier informed the government about TTP’s presence in Karachi and is now cautioning about Daish, which is more lethal than Al-Qaeda.
“Setting aside other issues, the government needs to focus on deteriorating law and order situation and on reports related to ISIS presence,” said the senior MQM leader.
When contacted, Additional Inspector General (AIG) Punjab Amjad Javed Saleemi said that there were no flags of ISIS in Punjab.
MQM lawmakers believe that poverty, sense of deprivation and economic disparity can be the factors that are leading to the emergence of militant groups in the country.
The ISIS originally surfaced in October 15, 2006 in Iraq but now many militant groups and some Taliban and Al-Qaeda leaders have joined it.