RAWALPINDI: Elem­e­n­ts linked with the militant Islamic State (IS) group who are returning to Pakis­tan from Syria could pose a serious threat to the security situation in Punjab, intelligence sources have warned.

The IS-linked militants, who ostensibly went from Pakistan to fight in Syria, are likely to return via Afghanistan. In the past, there have been reports of a number of Pakistanis joining the ranks of the IS to fight in the ongoing battle between the Syrian government and militants.

Amir Rana of the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies said it was not certain weather the militants attempting to return were Pakistanis or expatriates.

In a recent meeting, sou­rces said, law enforcement officials were asked to ado­pt a proactive appr­oach to control militancy and anti-social elements. Rawal­pi­n­di police chief Israr Ahmed Abbasi told Dawn: “Joint search and combing operations are being conducted in the district on a regular basis to keep a check on suspicious elements.”

Published in Dawn January 14th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.