Pakistan formally bans Daesh

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally banned the activities of Daesh (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) in the country thus indirectly confirming reports about the footprints of this militant organisation in the country, official sources told this correspondent.
A notification declaring proscription of Daesh has been issued by the Ministry of Interior in which the organisation has been banned under section 11 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, it has been learnt.
“Pakistan has followed the United Nation’s declaration of banning the Daesh or ISIS,” an official said.
Another source claimed that besides the international obligation, the organisation was banned in light of the intelligence reports circulated to the Ministry of Interior and its subordinate departments.
The decision to slap ban on ISIS is in contrast with the government denial of its presence in Pakistan.
In October 2014, Shahidullah Shahid together with five commanders of the defunct TTP had announced their allegiance to Abu Baker Baghdadi, head of the ISIS. The sources claimed that following that development the ban of the ISIS in Pakistan was expected.