Pakistan confirms arrests in connection with IS presence

Pakistan Thursday confirmed arrests in connection with activities of the Islamic State (IS) Sunni radical group.

Officials earlier played down the presence of IS in the country after unidentified people distributed pamphlets in parts of northwest Pakistan, some areas along the border with Afghanistan and Afghan refugee camps.

The pamphlets were also distributed in the eastern city of Lahore while wall-chalking in support of IS was seen in several cities, including the port city of Karachi.

"Police have made arrests in connection with the wall-chalking. Investigations are under way about the motives and other aspects," Xinhua quoted foreign ministry spokesperson Tasnim Aslam as saying Thursday.

It was the first time Pakistan officially confirmed arrests in connection with the IS.

The spokesperson said she had no information if any foreign national has been arrested in connection with the IS.

"Pakistan is taking comprehensive action against all terrorists. The determination to root out all terrorism has been clear at all levels," she said when at a press briefing she was asked about IS's presence in Pakistan.

In September, six Pakistani Taliban leaders parted ways with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and joined the IS.

The leaders included Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid, who made the announcement in an audio message sent to the media and posted online.