Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on Wednesday that the government had decided to ban Ansarul Sharia, the outfit found involved in the attack on Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Khawaja Izahrul Hassan a few days ago.

Talking to reporters in Islamabad, the minister said four key members of the organisation had been arrested.

“We have to carry out the National Action Plan (NAP) effectively and save young minds from menace of extremism,” he added.

The minister further said it had been decided in a meeting of top officials that a form prepared by the Wafaqul Madaris would have to be filled by madrassah students in every province.

”Important breakthroughs have taken place, Ansarul Sharia will soon be banned and the process has already been started,” he remarked.

“The organisation’s chief has been arrested too and other members are being tracked down.”

The interior minister said the world did not side with US President Trump.

“Russia, China and European countries did not pay heed to Trump’s speech but lauded Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism,” he maintained.

When asked about MQM-Pakistan’s political activities, he said there were no restrictions on political activities in Karachi, but violent activities would not be tolerated.