Citing a series of recent attacks on minority Shias in Pakistan, PM Raja Pervez Ashraf has directed authorities to take "stern action" against all banned militant groups, saying such assaults were bringing a bad name to the country and Islam.
"Directions have been issued for carrying out stern action against all the banned outfits without any discrimination not only by me but by the President as well," he said in his opening remarks at a meeting. "Those who are perpetrating these heinous acts are not only attempting to weaken our social fabric and democratic culture, they are also bringing a bad name to Pakistan and Islam," he said on Thursday.