KARACHI, Dec 3: The State Bank has asked all commercial banks and development finance institutions to freeze the accounts of three religious groups banned by the government on Nov 15 for their alleged involvement in extremism.

A spokesman for the central bank confirmed to Dawn that the SBP had asked all banks and DFIs to freeze the accounts of Millat-i-Islamia, Khuddamul Islam and Islami Tehrik Pakistan.

He said the banks and DFIs had been instructed to submit details of the accounts of these religious groups after freezing the same within 10 days.

The spokesman did not confirm freezing of the accounts of the Jamiat-ul-Ansar, Hizb-ul-Tehrir and Jamaat-ul-Furqan on which the government placed a ban on Nov 20.