600 arrested for circulating hate pamphlets in Pakistan

Lahore, Jun 2: Around 600 suspected members of banned militant organisations, including Tahreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State, have been arrested in the last one year for publishing and distributing "hate" literature in the Punjab province.

According to Punjab Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab police, around 600 "hate mongers" involved in publishing and distributing materials regarding projection of proscribed organisations, convicted terrorists and against particular sects have been arrested under the National Action Plan (NAP) in the last year.

Police recovered 32 banned books, 21 CDs, 213 magazines and 1,258 pamphlets of banned militant organisations from the suspects. The suspects have been arrested and booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Police have submitted charge sheet against 450 suspects in a court while over 100 have been convicted for up to five years. The punishment for such offence in Pakistan is imprisonment which may extend to five years.

PTI