ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has taken control of a seminary and a mosque in Bahawalpur associated with the leadership of the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) organisation.

In line with a decision taken by the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday, the interior ministry had directed the Punjab government to take the action. Accordingly, the district administration of Bahawalpur took over the administrative charge of Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah and Madressah Al-Sabir.

An interior ministry spokesman said the decision was aimed to expedite implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP).

However, the ministry denied Indian media reports that the seminary was involved in terrorist activities. It said hundreds of orphans and students of humble background are getting religious and formal education at the seminary.

Maulana Masood Azhar-led JeM was banned by the government in 2002.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2019