Interior Minister reiterates to eliminate terrorism

Islamabad: A meeting to review National Counter Violent Extremism Policy, 2022 was held in Islamabad today, with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan in the chair.

The meeting was given detailed briefing by Director General National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) about the aims and objectives of the Policy.

The DG NACTA said the policy has been devised based on the opinions of over 280 experts to identify and respond effectively to trends in violent extremism.

Under the policy, the values of peace, tolerance and diversity will be promoted in the society and social, electronic and print media will be used proactively to counter violent extremism.

The policy also aims at protecting the downtrodden segments of the society.

The meeting decided to involve all stakeholder in the consultative process and introduced some amendments in the policy after which it will be forwarded to the cabinet for approval.

Speaking on the occasion, the Interior Minister reiterated the national resolve to eliminate terrorism and extremism as it has caused irreparable damage to the country.  

He said we need to create awareness among the people about the extremist elements. He said the National Counter Violent Extremism Policy cannot be implemented as long as all stakeholders do not agree on it.

Earlier in the day, at least eight people fell injured after a suicide bomber targeted vehicle of the FC officials in Hayatabad area of Peshawar.

BREAKING: A suspected suicide bomber has targeted security forces vehicle in Hayatabad, Peshawar. Eight people are said to be injured: Rescue Officials #Pakistan #BreakingNews
?️@SyedWiqasAhmad1 pic.twitter.com/9AnjaohKis

— World Times (@WorldTimesWT) July 18, 2023

The police said that the bomber blew himself him when his vehicle reached near the FC vehicle.  Six police officials were among the injured. The rescue workers reached the spot soon after the blast and shifted the injured to the nearby hospital