FM Asif acknowledges existence of LeT, JeM in Pakistan

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday acknowledged the existence of terrorist organisations, naming Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) among the internationally banned outfits operating from within the country.

This came after the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) nations showed "regional security concern" over such militant groups operating from Pakistan, the Dawn reported.

Asif said, "For the first time, the Foreign Ministry published an advertisement, requesting people to avoid donating hides of sacrificial animals to proscribed organisations, including the two mentioned."

"Despite all these efforts, in some isolated instances, the organisations were allowed [to collect hides] at some places," he added.

However, Asif rejecting the claim that Pakistani soil is being used for terrorism, adding that "we will have to convince the world that Pakistan has nothing to do with the terrorism."

Recently, Pakistan was severely criticized for keeping double standards in the war against terrorism.

Last month, United States President Donald Trump had lambasted Pakistan for being a "safe haven" for terrorists groups while rolling out the new strategy for South Asian countries.