Muhajirs (refugees) of Pakistani port city Karachi on Thursday told US lawmakers that their country's spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is supporting terrorist organisations on its soil.
A newly formed group, the World Muhajir Congress further alleged that terror outfits like Taliban and al-Qaida are trying to take control of Karachi.
"Nowadays, Pakistan has become a safe haven for extremist groups with full support of Pakistani intelligence agency ISI," the group said in a letter to members of The House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan.
Representatives of the World Muhajir Congress met members of The House Foreign Affairs Committee and briefed them on alleged strong connection between the ISI and the terrorist groups.
"We are afraid as Jihadi outfits are getting stronger with the support of ISI, important port city of Karachi which is the supply line of US and NATO could fall into the hands of these terror groups," the letter said.
"We fear for the safety of Karachi, Muhajir Nation and especially children, as these jihadi outfits are kidnapping/abducting young poor children and after brainwashing them, turning them into suicide bombers and religious fanatics," it said.
With Karachi being one of the most vital seaports of Pakistan, the letter said, "the Taliban/ISIS/AlQaida, and like minded groups" are persistently making every endeavour to "capture the control" of this city.
"Such control can open new resources for manpower and finance for their agenda," it said.
Alleging that pro-Taliban and Islamic extremist elements are ever increasing in Pakistan, especially in Armed forces and ISI, and are heavily supported financially, physically and armoured by ISI, the World Muhajir Congress urged lawmakers to help them in fighting this menace in the port city of Karachi.
(With IANS inputs)
