Naqvi emphasizes unified national approach against terrorism

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday emphasised that no decision would be made on counterterrorism without consulting the provinces.

This was stated by the interior minister while presiding the second meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee in Islamabad.

The forum mulled over the progress made in strengthening the capabilities of provincial counterterrorism departments.

Moreover, the meeting decided that the issue of cross-border terrorism would be raised through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Afghan government.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the federal secretary for interior, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general (DG), Passport Department DG, national coordinator for National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), Islamabad chief commissioner, National Action Plan coordinator, and representatives of security agencies participated in the meeting.

Punjab Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser for Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, interior ministers of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were also present on this occasion. While, the home secretaries and inspectors general (IGs) of all the provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, attended the meeting via Zoom.

Naqvi, while addressing the meeting, stated that the prime minister, army chief and all stakeholders were on the same page in combating terrorism.

“It is essential to fully activate the counter-terrorism departments at the provincial level for an effective counter-terrorism response, and in this regard, all possible assistance will be provided to KP and Balochistan in view of their challenges,” he said.

The minister also said that the Counter-Terrorism Wing of the FIA will be fully activated at the federal level.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the establishment of National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centres. The briefing stated that the approval for the establishment of National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centres has been granted, and work is ongoing to set up Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centres across all the provinces.

The interior minister highlighted that after the reorganisation of the Frontier Constabulary, it was being converted into the National Reserve Police.

The meeting also agreed to make explosive materials a federal subject to ensure effective monitoring.

On the occasion, Naqvi stressed that all institutions must strictly implement the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for foolproof security of foreign nationals.