Pakistani police have launched a crackdown on outlawed groups in the southern part of Punjab province, which is considered a base for the Punjabi Taliban, and arrested about 170 activists. <br/><br/>The unannounced police operation against proscribed organisations began last night. The News daily reported that police conducted raids in Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Layyah districts and arrested some 170 activists of Sunni sectarian groups like the Sipah-e-Sahaba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. During the operation, 22 offices of the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba, a notorious anti-Shia group, were sealed. <br/><br/>The Sipah-e-Sahaba is allegedly operating under the new name of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat. The operation also targeted facilities and members of the banned groups in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and other cities. <br/><br/>The arrested activists were taken to unknown locations. Meanwhile, influential Sunni groups have asked Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to sack provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, who openly campaigned with Sipah-e-Sahaba chief Ludhianvi during a by-election in Jhang district in February.