Pakistan a safe haven for terror groups

“Banned groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e- Mohammed (JeM) have formed organisations with new names that operate freely. Some of their leaders have been arrested for alleged links to terrorist attacks, then released by the courts,” The Washington Post reported.

The report comes as a validation of India’s stand, which in past, has asserted many times that Pakistan so far has been reluctant to take action against anti-India terrorist groups like LeT and JeM and its leaders who continue to roam around freely. The American daily reported that major anti-India militant groups and other radical Sunni organisations in Punjab need little cover.

“The groups have in recent years increasingly focused attacks within Punjab as provincial officials have tried to placate them, both to capitalise on their popularity and in hopes of moderating their views,” it said.

“These groups have not been touched,” the paper quoted leading Pakistani analyst on extremism Ahmed Rashid as saying.

“They have been through a metamorphosis and turned their guns inward and linked up with other groups in the northwest, but no one is acknowledging it. The word is out that if you hang with them, you’re safe,” it said.

Meanwhile, identical statements came from US Attorney General Eric Holder, and the Deputy National Security Advisor, John Brennan, blaming the Pakistani Taliban for the Times Square attempt.