E-Paper | June 18, 2026

Nisar rules out presence of IS militants in Pakistan

Dawn.com Published November 11, 2014
comments
Whatsapp Channel
Add Dawn as a trusted source
Google Preferred Source

KARACHI Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Tuesday ruled out the presence of Islamic State (IS) militants in Pakistan.

“No organisation of this name exists in Pakistan,” the interior minister said while speaking to media representatives after addressing the passing-out parade of Rangers in Karachi.

Nisar said several militant organisations were operating in Pakistan as well as on the other side of the border.

The statement comes days after the provincial government of Balochistan conveyed a confidential report to law enforcement agencies warning of increased footprints of IS, also known by the Arabic acronym Daish, in Pakistan.

The ‘secret information report' stated that the IS has claimed to have recruited a massive 10 to 12,000 followers from the Hangu and Kurram Agency tribal areas.

Wall-chalking has also begun to appear in support of IS in some cities of Pakistan, including Karachi and Khanewal.

Take a look: IS recruiting thousands in Pakistan, govt warned in 'secret' report

Nisar lauds Sindh Rangers’ role in Karachi operation

Nisar also lauded the role of Pakistan Rangers Sindh, saying that it had carried out 4,000 raids and arrested 7,500 criminals during the 14-month long targeted operation in Karachi, said a report published on Radio Pakistan.

Addressing the passing-out parade of Rangers basic recruits training course-18 in Karachi, he expressed the hope that the left mission of maintaining complete order in the Karachi will successfully be accomplished by the new leadership of the Pakistan Rangers Sindh.

On the occasion, he lauded the role of former Director General of Pakistan Rangers Sindh General Rizwan Akhtar who led and initiated the operation against criminals in the city.

He also paid rich tributes to the soldiers of Pakistan Rangers and armed forces of the country who have sacrifices their precious lives safeguarding their motherland and combating terrorists.

He expressed the hope that the recruits who passed-out today will play their role in protecting their motherland and countrymen.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.
Pakistan

Read more

Indian Christian
Nov 11, 2014 10:58am
But the sad fact is that these arrested people will be released soon. They have to be released as per stone age Sharia law.
Recommend 0
Jahangir Khan
Nov 11, 2014 11:22am
Lets see if IK can also appreciate their performance.They have caught suspects of Zohra Shahid Murder...
Recommend 0
Jalbani Baloch
Nov 11, 2014 11:57am
I have never heard, if any government, whether present or the past, has ever downplayed the role of Rangers. All eulogize the role of Rangers, but criticize the police for the deteriorating law and order situation of Karachi. This indicates the duplicity of high-ups, as they feel reluctant to acknowledge the role of Sindh Police, which has given more sacrifices than the Sindh Rangers. For the sake of argument, if the Rangers is playing an effective role, then why the level of crime has not come down in Karachi, and still killing, snatching, kidnapping, theft and other crimes are rampant in Karachi.
Recommend 0
Parvez
Nov 11, 2014 12:52pm
Praise, well deserved.
Recommend 0
ASIF
Nov 11, 2014 01:05pm
@Indian Christian Hey Dude exclude religion from your comments,Everybody knows what Indians have done in the past and still doing with muslims
Recommend 0
khanm
Nov 11, 2014 01:16pm
Mr Nasar numbers they don't lie.... is the graph of crime, mugging, killing, snatching, sectarian violence gone down... if the answer is no...there is no point in carrying any further operations... it has negative effect on the people.. If the plant does not bear the fruits... it is just sucking the resources and nothing else...
Recommend 0
Safwan
Nov 11, 2014 01:19pm
@Indian Christian Dude, stop blabbering. Visit a doctor if necessary.
Recommend 0
Hassan
Nov 11, 2014 01:21pm
Mr. Nisar, prevention is better than cure. Do not spout nonsense when the threat is real. If the TTP and other groups have voiced allegiance to ISIS, then they are already part of it and they are already here.
Recommend 0
irfan
Nov 11, 2014 01:24pm
He is an ignorant person. When Altaf said about the presence of Taliban, the whole interior ministry rubbished it, and now the same thing again.
Recommend 0
white noise
Nov 11, 2014 01:36pm
right... and fairies are real ... and I have a unicorn !!
Recommend 0
Sk
Nov 11, 2014 01:40pm
@ASIF The way religion has and is being exploited in Pakistan is a known fact. I do not know what is your source of information about conditions of Muslims in India. They are in all walks of life and those who are educated are triving where as conditions of anyone one in Pakistan is probably known to you, i.e. if you are not on another planet. Unfortunately if your source of information is your text books then Allah may have mercy on you. No muslims in India are outside your embassy in India queuing to go to Pakistan as they know the truth and they want their kith and kin to progress and No one wants to be forced to live in stone age interpretation of Islam
Recommend 0
Indian Christian
Nov 11, 2014 01:42pm
@Safwan reality bites ...
Recommend 0
Indian Christian
Nov 11, 2014 01:44pm
@Safwan We visit doctors when necessary. But don't forget to give Polio to your children and other Pakistanis.
Recommend 0
franklyspeaking
Nov 11, 2014 01:46pm
@ASIF like how christians and hindus are getting killed in Pak...between, come over to India, you will know how muslim, hindus and christains live in harmony...they celebrate all their festivals and have national holidays, secularism for a change
Recommend 0
KRana
Nov 11, 2014 01:51pm
They will ignore as in case of taliban and later will blame India, Israel and USA when situation is out of control
Recommend 0
Ali A.
Nov 11, 2014 02:03pm
What you kidding... Wake up Mr. Nissar?
Recommend 0
Syed Usman Hussain
Nov 11, 2014 02:07pm
Is it another state of ignorant behavior?
Recommend 0
KRana
Nov 11, 2014 02:08pm
@ASIF Indain have Muslim presidents, cricket captain, governor, scientist, Bollywood top actors, officials, Can u name any minority getting nay chance?
Recommend 0
Bingo
Nov 11, 2014 02:12pm
@ASIF : Yeah we also know that more Muslims were killed in Pakistan by Muslims in the last 10 years.
Recommend 0
One Nation
Nov 11, 2014 02:14pm
What is in a name? Can Mr. Nisar deny that the mentality and conditions do not exist as well? All the existing terror outfits need to do is change their name.
Recommend 0
imran ali
Nov 11, 2014 02:20pm
finally he woke up....
Recommend 0
ali ahmed
Nov 11, 2014 02:25pm
shift the capital and assembly to Dubai...or conduct assembly session on twitter ...like Bilawal Zardari
Recommend 0
Shahzad Ahmed
Nov 11, 2014 02:29pm
@KRana we have our share from minorities in every sphere of life. Cricket, Judiciary, Armed Forces, Civil services. We have 5% and you have more than 15%.
Recommend 0
Ali
Nov 11, 2014 02:34pm
@Indian Christian dear, your comments would be perfect if you had chosen proper words, its not the sharia that is a problem, its the fabricated version of sharia that we follow has made us look like clowns to the outside world, having said that, us Pakistanis still has many sane people who love humanity and follow the true message for Islam that in love, compassion and co existence...unfortunately you never get to see that part of pakistan from that far because of notoriety we have gotten for all the wrong u see in media....its a request as a brother, plz dont disrespect any religion, though I do agree we arent good followers...peace.
Recommend 0
Reader
Nov 11, 2014 02:42pm
Nisar including the whole PML(N) govt doesn't have a clue about its own pakistani militancy let alone IS militant. These guys are used to fooling pakistanis & the world because once they are out of govt they will be living in some foreign land with the loot collected during their reign. Has any govt caught killers of BB yet?
Recommend 0
KRana
Nov 11, 2014 02:52pm
@Shahzad Ahmed Ohh dear please tell me any top name, you ll tell only bhagwan das which was also acting chief justice not even full.
Recommend 0
Sohail
Nov 11, 2014 03:06pm
@Indian Christian You seem to be well informed. Under what sharia law do you think these criminals would be freed to be precise? If you don't have an answer then you should keep your mouth shut...
Recommend 0
kashif
Nov 11, 2014 03:07pm
Govt. denial means YES. There will be IS in Pakistan.
Recommend 0
sharabi
Nov 11, 2014 03:08pm
@ASIF How do you know? what do you know, Next time please do not care about Indian Muslims, we are Fine & happy. Just care about your countryman. We Indian Muslims do not belong from your Ummah Philosophy.
Recommend 0
Jalbani Baloch
Nov 11, 2014 03:12pm
It is an undeniable fact that majority of Pakistanis is moderate and liberal and there is no place for terrorists and murderers like IS to get a ground in the soil of Pakistan. However, there is no doubt, that anti-state elements like Taliban, Jundullah and other outfit and banned organizations, might work under the guise of IS. In such a situation, the people of Pakistan in general and the intelligence agencies in particular, will have to keep an eye in their in and around on the local terrorists to foil the expanding designs of IS. If IS is a sincere in its struggle, first they should go Israel to liberate QIBL-E-AWAL and Palestine and then it should think for revival of Khilafat. Up to now, this terrorist organization has killed thousands of humans including Muslims (Sunnis, Shias) and Christians in Iraq and Syria.
Recommend 0
Sreenath
Nov 11, 2014 03:13pm
Well Mr Nisar you need not accept it in public, but for the sake of the world peace and tranquility be a bit serious on this matter and do not let IS militants get hold in South Asia via Pakistan.
Recommend 0
turtlehead
Nov 11, 2014 03:14pm
yeah right ! and just today ISIS posters were found in the streets of Lahore....
Recommend 0
syed ahmed
Nov 11, 2014 03:21pm
Really Mr Nisar !!
Recommend 0
Sarwat
Nov 11, 2014 03:27pm
Here we go again Sleep and procrastinate. When the problem is above your head then react. PMLN team is filled with clowns. They don't want to do anything until they get kick on their rear end.
Recommend 0
FZR
Nov 11, 2014 03:31pm
Please acknowledge the truth before we have a bigger problem than current chaos in Pakistan. Shutting ones eyes will not wish away the looming threat.
Recommend 0
Ameed
Nov 11, 2014 03:31pm
Mr. Bean either you are trying to be funny or simply playing a fool. Did you by any chance see the report from Baloachistan province concerning IS? Nope? This makes me wonder if we will get any responsible interior minister who actually knows what to say and when?
Recommend 0
Safwan
Nov 11, 2014 03:34pm
@Indian Christian Truth? Lol, look, if you stop commenting on matters of which you have little or no knowledge you will actually do yourself a favor. By commenting and exposing your abysmal ignorance you are just insulting yourself on a public forum. There is a thing called Wikipedia, you might want to visit it once in a while. (PS FYI just a small example, the Sharia is a set of principles if any law respects those principles it is Shariah, so if law prohibits unjust discrimination between people belonging to different religions then it is Shariah, be it in the Indian, Spanish or US constitution).
Recommend 0
ehtisham
Nov 11, 2014 03:36pm
Everyone knows pamphlets have been distributed in KPK and militants actually joined war in Syria. These fools try to make public fool. Utterly incompetent govt
Recommend 0
1947 ka Pakistani
Nov 11, 2014 03:37pm
@Ali Brother... Perfect!
Recommend 0
Ali Abbas
Nov 11, 2014 03:45pm
No Taliban exist in Pakistan, No LeJ exist, No ASWJ exist, No Haqqani network exists in Pakistan. Osama Bin Laden did not exist either.
Recommend 0
Indian Christian
Nov 11, 2014 03:46pm
@Ali I don't intent to disrespect any religion. The fact I noted was that Sharia law is contradictory to modern democratic laws and do not give equality to people of other religion. I of course agree there are good muslims like you, but there is no need to hide the bad ones. Thank You !
Recommend 0
Njaved
Nov 11, 2014 03:56pm
Mr. Minister, please tell me that Osama was also not present in Pakistan!
Recommend 0
in your face
Nov 11, 2014 04:01pm
Could it be that he is using too much of the product that he is trying to control?
Recommend 0
in your face
Nov 11, 2014 04:05pm
@indian christian. You nailed the problem. Antiquated and obsolete laws meant for another time are wreaking havoc in the modern times. People brainwashed at an early age are in denial.
Recommend 0
Vicky
Nov 11, 2014 04:23pm
@KRana its not your issue, mind your own business, india is again involved in this. you are the root cause of all the problems.
Recommend 0
Rohan
Nov 11, 2014 04:26pm
Denial denial denial.... it will get you nowhere sir. Osama never existed in Pakistan till USA killed him.
Recommend 0
Shahzad Ahmed
Nov 11, 2014 04:37pm
There is Hinduvta and here in Pakistan it is muslim nationalism..problem with Indians is that they have a sizeable minority muslim population which cannot be thrown out and they know they have to live with them...hence secularism had to be promoted and became a popular mantra but deep down they are hard core hindu nationalist...we find glimpses of this everywhere in India...on the other hand Pakistan does not have such a big minority therefore we do not need to be secular in approach as 95% are muslims.
Recommend 0
Whiskey Khan
Nov 11, 2014 04:37pm
Since the politician of Pakistan lack creditably it is hardly comforting to hear that there is no presence of IS. Pakistan may become the a Prize Trophy for IS as it has Resources far beyond their capacity. Pakistan with its Nuclear capability becomes a natural Target. IS should not be taken lightly by these politician.
Recommend 0
Einstein Babar
Nov 11, 2014 04:38pm
@Indian Christian Don't be so arrogant, it is time which never remains same for anyone. from 70s to 80s India was biggest threat of polio for whole world, we are eradicating polio and we will, even at the cost of our lives, no fear of terrorists. We made Pakistan for first time and we can make it again
Recommend 0
Asif
Nov 11, 2014 04:57pm
@SK You forgot to mention what happen with muslims in Gujrat
Recommend 0
Mitul CH. Dass
Nov 11, 2014 05:03pm
@Einstein give up polio. Try your best to save your sovereignty. I m confused about your sovereignty. If you have sovereignty how USA can test their drone whether it work or not inside your country?
Recommend 0
SKD
Nov 11, 2014 05:04pm
Nissar's denial of presence of IS terrorists is actually indication of their presence.
Recommend 0
Asif
Nov 11, 2014 05:08pm
@sharabi Dude history tell us the nature of hindus and what they did
Recommend 0
Einstein Babar
Nov 11, 2014 05:11pm
@Indian Christian read them again, this time with open eyes and mind
Recommend 0
lols
Nov 11, 2014 05:14pm
@ASIF why always claims muslims are victims everywhere. we all know whats the situation of nonmuslims in muslim countries.
Recommend 0
Nazir Ahmed
Nov 11, 2014 05:27pm
He does not believe in logic.
Recommend 0
salim
Nov 11, 2014 05:33pm
@Shahzad Ahmed best written peace uptil now. 100% correct.
Recommend 0
SAROJ
Nov 11, 2014 05:36pm
@ASIF Muslim lives much better in India than pakistan :-) and much more prosperous in India and they have more freedom in any other part of the world. Think about the minorities in Pakistan which is limited to 3% from 30%... Sharia law is of course a stone age law which should be banned in a moderate society ... Will not even mention the rights of Women.
Recommend 0
SAROJ
Nov 11, 2014 05:38pm
@Sk Their source must be Jihadi literature which is spread against non Muslims and used to brain wash Muslims .... Don't believe what Hafiz saeed say.. Read some international news and use Google .. you will get better knowledge
Recommend 0
Syed Hussain Akbari
Nov 11, 2014 05:57pm
@ASIF Just be a little reserved Sahib. I was born in India. I am very regular visitor of India. I know how is the situation of Muslims in that country. It is in no case that rosy as you want the world to believe.
Recommend 0
Aly khan
Nov 11, 2014 05:58pm
He has now finally woken up
Recommend 0
Khan-Haqiqi
Nov 11, 2014 06:01pm
Live in denial mode even you and your party denied Punjabi Taliban
Recommend 0
Nov 11, 2014 06:31pm
@Ali Wish Pakistan had more people like u
Recommend 0
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Nov 11, 2014 06:31pm
What a serious joke?
Recommend 0
Jadugar
Nov 11, 2014 06:52pm
Nisar and the rest of the politicians will keep denying it till there is battle on the street of Pakistan against these IS militant and then they will deny some more Ultimately It will be the people of Pakistan who will pay with their blood for their lies
Recommend 0
A Ali
Nov 11, 2014 06:53pm
whats in the name...... whether or not people from Pakistan are joining or not IS, right under your nose.
Recommend 0
Naseer
Nov 11, 2014 07:11pm
Government is only trying to fool the people to divert their attention. Same thing was first said about Taliban in Karachi, now government is doing the same thing to cover their incompetence. With these politicians, our country is doomed.
Recommend 0
Hornet
Nov 11, 2014 07:33pm
@Indian Christian I fully agree with you
Recommend 0
dv1936
Nov 11, 2014 08:42pm
and he expects to be trusted, great.
Recommend 0
Naseer
Nov 11, 2014 08:45pm
Denial, denial and denial. Where are the escapees of Banu Jail? Of course ISIS has not applied to register as a new organization in Pakistan because they are already doing business
Recommend 0
Neeraj
Nov 11, 2014 08:59pm
@Indian Christian come on men, post good comments sometime. Blanket negative statements shows bigotry(yours).
Recommend 0
Pakhtun
Nov 11, 2014 09:07pm
@Ali Great response. Intelligent, fair and well-balanced.
Recommend 0
Indian Christian
Nov 11, 2014 09:21pm
@Hornet Thank You !
Recommend 0
ghaz
Nov 11, 2014 09:36pm
Let's keep ignoring the elephant in the room until it's ready to get out of control. Good job, we don't need enemies when we have leaders like this
Recommend 0
Joker
Nov 11, 2014 09:37pm
I totally agree with the minister. Pakistan also does not have any corrupt politicians or religious extremists or any other terror groups. It is all a conspiracy to defame Pakistan. WHEN ARE THESE POLITICIANS GOING TO LEARN?
Recommend 0
Asad Hyder
Nov 11, 2014 09:43pm
Every body knows not to believe in Chaudhry Nisar's utterances.
Recommend 0
Mumtaz Hussain Shah
Nov 11, 2014 09:45pm
@imran ali . He will never wake up. Most unfortunate for the Nation whose leaders put their head in sand and feel secure.
Recommend 0
ladies and gentlemen
Nov 11, 2014 09:50pm
Here he goes hiding his head under the sand again.
Recommend 0
islamabadian
Nov 11, 2014 09:52pm
IS ... Pakistani Forces and Pakistani Nation is one against any organization which will try to hurt pakistan. pakistan zinda bad Pak Forces painda bad
Recommend 0
sunny
Nov 11, 2014 10:00pm
Pakistan should take serious action against IS.
Recommend 0
Haider Rehman
Nov 11, 2014 10:02pm
He must be dreaming...
Recommend 0
Haider Rehman
Nov 11, 2014 10:04pm
Shows mentality of Pmln...
Recommend 0
Vikas
Nov 11, 2014 10:59pm
What is in a name?
Recommend 0
Aditya
Nov 11, 2014 11:27pm
It will soon.. Like iron towards a magnet
Recommend 0
in your face
Nov 12, 2014 04:03am
Dear Sir Nisar, please read your history again regarding khilafat movement of 1919-1924. ISIS may only be on the walls for now but the support for the cause in the hearts of many goes back a 100 years. In the absence of hope and progress, people cling to whatever that elevates their ego.
Recommend 0
A shah
Nov 12, 2014 06:04am
Yes we should bury our heads in the sand and deny everything.
Recommend 0
Mumtaz Hussain Shah
Nov 12, 2014 07:06am
The utterances of Interior Minister reminds me the famous maxim, "Nero fiddled while Rome burned." True! We nead no enemy if we have "visioneries" like Chudhery Sb controlling our destiny.
Recommend 0
krishna
Nov 12, 2014 08:07am
One day - a poor guy decided to act like a rich guy in the public - assuming that one day he would join rich man's club. He always professed that he is not a poor guy in the public ( when in reality - I walk with only one underwear every where and eat a roti once a day) - assuming that no one can catch him. Alas! - every other citizen knows him that he is poor and doesn't have enough to eat for himself and pitied him. Here, Nisar is acting bold as if Pakistan has no IS presence when in fact the signs and declarations are loud and clear from the tribal corners of the country. Instead of taking cognizance of the problem on hand, ducking the head into the sand and feeling good does no good - in fact would immensely harm the country population. Better take a preventive step rather than lament and blame on others for self-inflicted ills.
Recommend 0
Muhammad Natiq
Nov 12, 2014 09:42am
@Indian Christian why do u indians always blabber and why dont you people focus on ur own country, well! there is always space of improvement so u should or u ppl should spend time for ur own improvement and stop poking in our matters. U ppl really have alot of waste time
Recommend 0

Most Popular

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09

Latest Stories

Opinion

Editorial

Words that wound
Updated 18 Jun, 2026

Words that wound

Hate speech rarely begins with physical attacks.
‘New urban province’
18 Jun, 2026

‘New urban province’

CONSIDERING the advance state of urban decay that affects Karachi, voices are often raised calling for the megacity,...
Punjab budget: mixed bag
18 Jun, 2026

Punjab budget: mixed bag

PUNJAB’S budget for FY27 is a mix of good and bad political choices, with a cash-strapped centre tightening the...
Spoiler alert
17 Jun, 2026

Spoiler alert

AFTER the temporary peace deal between the US and Iran is physically signed in Geneva on Friday, an arduous process...
Storm-tested cities
17 Jun, 2026

Storm-tested cities

THE deaths caused by the latest spell of monsoon rains in KP and Punjab illustrate how quickly severe weather can...
Chakwal tragedy
17 Jun, 2026

Chakwal tragedy

A NINE-year-old girl is dead because a Punjab Crime Control Department gunman mistook her family’s car for a...
Dawn News English Podcasts
Subscribe