Pakistan, Oct. 22 -- Pointing towards violent protests of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that the country should act as a "hard state" to curb extremism, as religious extremist groups formed in the name of religion are unacceptable in any state.

His statement came days after the Punjab government sent a summary to the Centre seeking a ban on TLP after violent demonstrations in the province left many dead and scores injured.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Asif declined to comment on whether a ban was being imposed on the TLP.

"We have to become a hard state," said Asif, adding that such religious extremist groups, which resort to violence and cause damage to property, cannot be tol...