Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Saturday said the top leadership of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LJ) is based in Punjab.
He said taking LJ leader Malik Ishaq in custody was an appreciable step by the Punjab government but more is required including initiation of criminal cases against him.
Malik also said Pakistan would soon request Interpol for the repatriation of senior Tehreek-e-Taliban commander Maulvi Faqir from Afghanistan.
Maulvi Faqir was arrested by Afghan forces from the Pakistan-Afghan border a few days ago.
Speaking to reporters at the passing out ceremony at Police Lines, Malik said Faqir was behind a series of terror attacks in the country. “We want his deportation to Pakistan so that action can be initiated against him in accordance with the law,” he added.
Responding to another question on the Taliban dialogue offer‚ Malik said the Taliban will have to demonstrate seriousness for talks. “They have to first surrender their weapons before the start of negotiations,” said Malik.
Earlier, addressing participants of the passing out parade, the minister said Pakistan is passing through a critical phase and facing challenges of extremism and terrorism.
He said the PPP government had soon, after assuming power, decided to enhance the capacity and capability of law enforcement agencies. He said the nation knows that elements plotting to destabilise Pakistan by conducting terrorism in Karachi‚ Peshawar and Quetta have failed.
He said the nation will overcome terrorism with the help of law enforcing agencies. He said Pakistan lies at the crossroads of central and south Asia and due to its geo-strategic importance and nuclear status‚ has become a target of foreign interests that want to harm it.
The interior minister said the government decided to give representation to Balochs in all departments and the induction of Baloch youth in Islamabad police as part of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package is a reaffirmation of this commitment. He urged the Baloch youth to become part of mainstream life.