Pak Govt Tells ISI To Stop Patronizing Militant Groups

Pakistan’s civilian government has asked the Inter-Services Intelligence to stop patronizing militant groups.

The move came after an all-party meeting Monday over Pakistan facing diplomatic isolation. The government has asked the intelligence agencies not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action, Dawn reported Thursday.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.

ISI DG Gen Akhtar stated that not only is it the military’s policy to not distinguish between militant groups, but that the military is committed to that policy prevailing. The ISI chief did mention concerns about the timing of action against several groups, citing the need to not be seen as buckling to Indian pressure or abandoning the Kashmiri people.

“Pakistan is isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors,” Pakistan People’s Party leader Aitzaz Ahsan was quoted as saying by the news daily.

"The government has been completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan," Ahsan said.