Pakistan’s intelligence services have supported terror organizations since long and it is not possible for them to get a grip on fanatical and violent groups when one play “double game,” said a top US lawmaker. Congressman Brad Sherman also expressed sympathies with the worshippers who lost their lives in a deadly terror attack on a Sufi shrine in Sindh.
“Pakistan’s intelligence services have for too long supported some terrorist organizations while combating others,” he said. “It is impossible to get a handle on fanatical and violent groups when you play this double game,” added Sherman, a Chairman of the Sindh Caucus and a Ranking Member of the Asia Pacific Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
However, he strongly condemned the attack that claimed more than 80 lives. “Unfortunately, we have a situation where ISIS can operate within Pakistan and carry out attacks as it did this week,” he said. He also called on Pakistan to modify its policies towards terror groups.
“My sympathies are with the peaceful Sufi worshippers and the people of Sindh, who were attacked at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sehwan on Thursday. The shrine, dedicated to the Saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, is an important site for the Sufi faith and attracts many thousands of pilgrims each year,” he said. “Including today’s attack, over a hundred innocent Pakistanis were killed in multiple attacks around the country this week,” Sherman stated.
Sherman said that he is well aware of the increase of terror organizations within Pak and stressed on the need for more intensive efforts to battle terrorism in South Asia. “I know that we will continue to work with Pakistan to combat terrorism. We should especially support those in Pakistan that are most affected by terror and those forces in Pakistan that are on the front lines of our efforts to defeat militant groups,” he said.
