Upon Chinese request, Pakistan has banned three Islamic outfits allegedly carrying out insurgent activities in China's Muslim-majority Xinjiang Province.

The three banned outfits are the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and Islamic Jihad Union (IJU). China blamed these organizations for inciting local population on religious grounds and carrying out extremist activities.

BBC Urdu, quoting sources in Pakistan's Interior Ministry, said these groups have become Chinese's concern during discussions with Pakistani authorities. The report said Chinese officials raised this issue during the recent visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China.

The Chinese officials had told Pakistan that members of these outfits were in contact with like-minded people in Xinjiang and they may use the Chinese population to pursue their separatist agenda.

BBC also reported that Pakistan's interior minister is in touch with Turkish and Uzbek governments over the activities of ETIM and IMU in their territories.

Intelligence agencies said over 50 people with alleged links to these groups are wanted by local authorities in these countries.

Reports claimed these outfits also include female insurgents who were involved as trainer of suicide-bombing squads.

In the past, Pakistan has arrested several people with alleged links to these outfits, operating in South Waziristan and other tribal areas of the country.

Intelligence agencies suspected that fighters owing allegiances to these outfits may also be involved in fighting against NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Pakistan media reported that with the heightened threat perception, the Pakistani government had increased security for Chinese diplomats in the country.