Pakistan arrests 42 Daesh supporters

Minister says extremist group will not be allowed to take roots in Pakistan.

Islamabad: At least 42 militants allegedly linked to extremist group Daesh have been arrested in Punjab province as part of a campaign to "wipe the threat of Daesh" from the country, officials said on Monday.
The arrests were made during a series of raids by counter-terrorism officials to nab the alleged supporters and activists of the dreaded terrorist group in Pakistan.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah told reporters that the weekend swoop targeted four districts of the province.
The minister said those arrested had been tasked with setting up sleeper cells for Daesh.
Sanaullah said senior Daesh operatives were among those arrested, including Islamabad chief Amir Mansoor, his deputy Abdullah Mansoori and chief for Sindh province Umer Kathio.
A senior police official from Lahore confirmed the arrests.
"The arrests are part of campaign to wipe out the threat of Daesh from Pakistan," he said.
The authorities confiscated hate literature, propaganda material and weapons during the raids at a hideout of the militants. Sanaullah said that about 100 people have gone from Pakistan to Syria and Iraq to join Daesh.
He said Daesh will not be allowed to take roots in Pakistan. The provincial law minister said law enforcement agencies are playing a vital role in elimination of terrorism in the country.
He said law and order has significantly improved in the country. Rana Sanaullah steps are being taken to further improve performance of security agencies.
He said the uncalled for criticism on the government is not good for the country.
Police began their raids after they busted a group of Daesh supporters in Daska and Sialkot districts of Punjab province last week, which provided vital clues about the activities of the group in Pakistan.
Pakistan has officially denied the presence of Daesh in the country, but secretly it has been neutralising militants who have either shifted their allegiance from the Taleban to Daesh or have shown inclination to support the group.

• Pakistan