Daily Times

ISLAMABD: The country’s top security czar on Saturday reiterated that Islamic State 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 … it 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. He 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,” Nisar 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.