Sufi shrine attack makes Pakistan go after Jaish, others

ISLAMABAD: Rattled by the horrific attack on a revered Sufi shrine, Pakistani police have launched a major crackdown on outlawed groups in southern Punjab, considered a base for the Punjabi Taliban, and arrested about 170 activists, including Jaish-e-Mohammad men.
The "unannounced police operation" against proscribed organisations began on Sunday, The News daily reported.Police conducted raids in Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Layyah districts and arrested some 170 activists of Sunni sectarian groups like the Sipah-e-Sahaba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
During the operation, 22 offices of the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba, a notorious anti-Shia group, were sealed. The Sipah-e-Sahaba is allegedly operating under the new name of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat.
The operation also targeted facilities and members of the banned groups.