ACCORDING to press reports, Altaf Hussain has warned against the increasing influence of Islamic State throughout Pakistan. I recall a similar warning given by Mr Hussain a short while back regarding the Talibanisation of Karachi.
At that time, the government had laughed away Mr Hussain`s apprehensions. But time proved how correct he was.Even today, I have the feeling that the government and the intelligence authorities are inclined to take this alarming news lightly.
I was disappointed when in a T V programme, the representatives of the right-wing PML-N and PTI, were displaying an apologetic attitude despite the danger of Islamic State. This is the same attitude that they also showed at one time towards the TTP.
It is being said by certain observers that the flags of IS are visible from Sadigabad to Peshawar. A horde of IS is not likely to come from the Middle East, rather it is the insidious ideology of the outfit to co-opt local militant organisations. And that is the major threat.
The co-option of various splinter TTP groups like Jamatul Ahrar and some others by IS has already taken place. The destructive capability of IS appears to be much greater than the TTP and hence the needtonip the evilin the bud.
