Malik warns banned outfits

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday stressed the need for improving law to control activities of banned organizations.

Replying to a point of order of Sheikh Waqas Akram that banned organizations were holding public rallies in various cities despite the fact such activities were banned under Anti-Terrorism Act, the interior minister said banned outfits were organizing rallies under different names.

He informed the National Assembly that strict action would be taken if any evidence was found that a banned organization held a public rally in the Capital territory.

The minister said banned organizations were collecting funds under different names and underlined the importance of proper legislation to curtail their activities.

He said a bill dealing with the activities of banned organizations had been pending with the Senate Standing Committee for the last two years.

Rehman Malik said law enforcement agencies needed more empowerment to take proper action against the banned organizations, adding the the passage of that bill was necessary to have strict check on the activities of banned outfits.

He said recommendations of all political parties would be accommodated in making a comprehensive legislation in this regard.

Earlier Sahibzada Fazal Karim also raised concern on ongoing activities of banned organizations. He demanded foolproof security arrangements for public gatherings on 12th Rabiul Awal. (APP)