ISLAMABAD: The number of banned groups in Pakistan has risen to 79 following the first addition in four years, with the Zainebiyoun Brigade (ZB) being the latest inclusion.
Designated as a terrorist organization by the US State Department in 2019, the ZB ban was enacted in March, reportedly amidst tensions with Iran.
Some view this move as an attempt to appease Washington, while others speculate it’s to curry favor with Riyadh, especially after a recent visit by the Saudi foreign minister.
Analysts suggest the ZB has been involved in supplying weapons to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Middle East.
Recent incidents, including the apprehension of ZB members in international waters and the death of a Pakistani-origin commander in Syria affiliated with the group, prompted the ban.
Although the government had evidence of the ZB’s involvement in sectarian violence and recruitment for conflicts in Iraq and Syria, action was delayed due to circumstances linked to Baloch insurgents in Iran.
The loyalty of ZB members to ideological affiliations over national ties poses a significant challenge. Formed by the IRGC to support Bashar Al Assad’s regime in Syria, the ZB, also known as Liwa Zainebiyoun, has ties with the Quds Force and recently pledged allegiance to the IRGC.
The process of listing banned organizations in Pakistan began in 2001 with groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-i-Mohammad Pakistan, followed by others like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2002.
