Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan presided over a meeting of the Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP) in which he strongly condemned the recent attack on a mosque in Peshawar and expressed condolences to the families of martyrs killed in the deadly terrorist attack.
He stated that the government has a zero tolerance policy for terrorists and that swift prosecution is necessary to set a good example for terrorist elements.
To counter the threat of terrorism, the premier stated that a multi-pronged approach, as well as full spectrum and vigorous implementation of the NAP, are required, and he emphasized the importance of proactive measures to address such incidents in the future.
PM Khan stated that nefarious plans to destabilize the country will fail because the nation is united in combating the threat of terrorism.
He stated that the public is aware that elements are attempting to sow discord through sectarianism and hate speech, but that the state will not allow such plans to succeed.
The Apex Committee emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) in coordinating critical counter-terrorism measures and building the capacity of Counter Terrorism Departments.
It was also stated that provinces should allocate more resources to conduct effective investigations through the use of scientific techniques and the establishment of modern forensic labs.
The need of bringing terrorism cases to a successful conclusion in the courts was also emphasized.
The Secretary of the Interior Division provided a detailed update on the NAP’s implementation status, including steps taken to stifle terror financing, combat violent extremism, investigate and prosecute (in) terrorism cases, promote militancy intolerance and law enforcement capacity building, regulate and register seminaries, merge the former FATA, reform the criminal justice system, eliminate sectarian terrorism, and curb smuggling, narco-trafficking, and other illegal activities.
The delegates were informed that while the bulk of action points have been implemented satisfactorily, support from provincial governments is required for inter-provincial difficulties.
Federal Ministers Fawad Ahmed, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, and Asad Umer attended the meeting, as did National Security Advisor Dr. Moeed Yousaf; Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa; Chief Ministers Sardar Usman Buzdar (Punjab), Murad Ali Shah (Sindh), Mehmood Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdul Quddus Bazenjo (Balochistan), and Khalid Khursheed (Gilgit Baltistan); Chief Secretaries; Inspector Generals of Police; and senior civil and military officers.
To read our blog on “After Peshawar attack, Cricket Australia is keeping a close eye on Pakistan’s tour,” click here.
