Possible Pak link to attack, say experts

Experts are claiming that Sayfullo Saipov, the man who carried out the New York terror attack may actually have been a member of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). This group is said to have close links with Pakistani militants. 

Though facts are still sketchy it is believed that Saipov, a US national, who arrived in the country from Uzbekistan in 2010, was influenced by and probably affiliated to the IMU. 

According to terror experts, the IMU, which is considered extremely close to the Islamic State, had its headquarters in North Waziristan, in Pakistan. As Professor Madhav Nalapat says, “Pakistani extremists and Uzbek extremists have very close links. There are multiple terror training camps in Pakistan, many protected by the Pakistan army. 

ISIS expert Khadim Hussain, based in Peshawar, confirmed that the IMU for a time was headquartered in North Waziristan. Prof Hussain confirmed that Pakistani and Uzbek extremists had close ties but added that it was “unfair” to single out and blame a state for global terrorism.