Pakistan bans Islamic State militant group

The Islamic State (IS) militant group which has undertaken vast stretches of Iraq and Syria in its control has been banned by Pakistan after repeatedly denying the dreaded outfit’s presence within its territory.

• The decision was taken on recommendation of the Foreign Office, which regularly updates the Pakistan government about international militant groups banned by the United Nations.
• Banners and graffiti in support of Islamic State (IS), also known as Daesh in Arabic, have often appeared in Pakistan but the government has until now rejected its presence inside the country.
• Following the death of Taliban leader Mullah Muhammad Omar, the IS has become particularly powerful in Afghanistan.