The presence of IS flags, though symbolic, on electricity poles in a closely guarded part of the historic city of Taxila, near the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF), has added to the fear that the terrorist outfit may exploit militant groups in the country. The flags came up after reports surfaced that a spokesman of the IS visited banned militant outfit Jundullah in the troubled southwestern Balochistan province.

Jundullah is a branch of the Pakistani Taliban or the TTP, which recently sacked its spokesman for announcing allegiance to the IS. It has also claimed responsibility for the Wagah Border attack that killed at least 63 people.

Law enforcement agencies confiscated four flags of the IS, Dawn reported.

A senior Intelligence officer told the newspaper that a few flags, bearing the IS monogram, were found near the main entrance to the POF complex, while others were spotted on nearby electricity poles.

So far, police and intelligence agencies do not know who put up the flags in the heavily-protected area. (SDF/KH)