Study calls for restructuring anti-terrorism regime

Published September 13, 2021
An assessment of the National Action Plan has recommended restructuring of the country’s antiterrorism regi­me and introduction of radical reforms in multiple sectors to increase effectiveness of its counterterrorism policies. — AFP/File
An assessment of the National Action Plan has recommended restructuring of the country’s antiterrorism regi­me and introduction of radical reforms in multiple sectors to increase effectiveness of its counterterrorism policies. — AFP/File

PESHAWAR: An assessment of the National Action Plan (NAP) has recommended restructuring of the country’s antiterrorism regi­me and introduction of radical reforms in multiple sectors to increase effectiveness of its counterterrorism policies.

The study — Stren­gthening Governance in Pakistan: Assessing the National Action Plan to Counter Terrorism and Extremism — conducted by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung was launched at a ceremony here on Sunday. It was attended by former National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) chief Ihsan Ghani, chairman of journalism department at Uni­versity of Peshawar Faizullah Jan, Awami Nati­onal Party (ANP) MPA Samar Haroon Bilour and experts, analysts and journalists.

Speaking on the occasion, Ihsan Ghani said efforts were under way to formulate a national security policy. He said that 16 subcommittees were formed under Nacta in 2016, but only one meeting of these bodies had taken place.

Mr Ghani said that initially Nacta was working under the Prime Minister Office but later handed over to the interior ministry in 2015. He suggested that the authority should be reverted to the PM Office. He said both the government and the nation were confused about the contours of NAP and the plan needed to be revisited.

“NAP should be reviewed afresh in the light of its past performance as well as according emerging challenges, forms and dynamics of extremism, terrorism and violence,” the study said.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...