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Popular support for militants in Pakistan’s jihadi heartland complicates Prime Minister Imran Khan’s crackdown
- Many of the groups are popular among the poor because they operate networks of charities
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On the congested streets of Bahawalpur, a city in southern Pakistan’s jihadi heartland, emotions run high in favour of Jaish-e-Mohammad, a UN-designated terror group that recently pushed nuclear-armed India and Pakistan to the brink of war.
Such support complicates Prime Minister Imran Khan’s latest crackdown on militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). In recent days, Khan has ordered the takeover of assets and property of dozens of banned militant organisations operating in the country.
Pakistan has since Tuesday arrested at least 44 suspected members of several militant organisations. Among those detained was Mufti Abdul Rauf, the brother of JeM founder Masood Azhar - whose whereabouts are unknown.
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Many of the groups are popular among the poor because they operate networks of charities. Some groups have also enjoyed the support of the military and intelligence services.
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“Jaish-e-Mohammad is not a terrorist group, they just want to spread Islam,” said Tahir Zia, a grey-bearded resident of Bahawalpur, a city whose 18th-century founders claim to be direct descendants of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad.
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