Decision to activate National Counter Terrorism Authority
ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to immediately activate the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), which was promulgated last year in December to root out terrorism. The decision was taken in a high level meeting on ”national security” presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here on Monday.
The body was mandated to devise a counter-terrorism strategy that should address short, medium and long-term goals and devise action plans for their implementation.
The government expressed resolve to develop consensus among political and religious leadership for developing unanimity of action against the terrorists and a future action plan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira told media in joint press conference with Interior Minister Rehman Malik after the meeting.
He said the meeting was attended by Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, Inspector Generals of Police, Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) AJK, representatives from Gilgit Baltistan and heads of all intelligence agencies of the country.
The meeting was convened by the prime minister in the wake of recent wave of terrorism in the country, especially after suicidal attacks on Datta Darbar in Lahore.
He said the meeting considered counter terrorism policy of the government and measures to further improve it in order to eradicate the menace of terrorism from country.
He said the meeting emphasised the need for formulating a unanimous policy in consultation with all the stakeholder to curb terrorism. The meeting reviewed law and order situation in the country.
Kaira said the prime minister ordered to convene a national conference, adding that the date of the conference would be announced after consultation with all stakeholders.
“A national policy on counter terrorism would be formulated in the light of moot’’s recommendations and suggestions of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security,” he added.
He said legislation on Anti Terrorist Act (ATA) was delayed due to budget session. The prime minister has directed the meeting to amend the act and present it in National Assembly for legislation, Kaira told media.
He said the premier also directed to improve intelligence sharing among the provinces and federation so that any information about a possible terrorist attack could be passed timely.
Kaira said the government is pursuing the policy of 3Ds- dialogue, deterrence and development, but the question arises that with whom the government should talk.
“The government is ready to hold dialogue with those who will surrender and accept its writ,” he said, adding the sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain.
“The government will provide additional resources for capacity building of law enforcement agencies. We are also in contact with other countries in this regard,” he added.
Kaira said the prime minister ordered to expedite work on madrassa reforms, adding the unfortunate incident of ”Data Darbar” has proved that the enemies are trying to ignite sectarian violence in the country.
He said inter-faith harmony would be one of the motives of national conference.
To a question about restrictions on media, information minister said the government believes in independence of media and there is no plan to impose any kind of restriction on it.
He said leadership of all major political parties, irrespective of that they are in the parliament or not, would be invited to attend the moot.
To a question, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said there is complete coordination between the federal and Punjab governments.
He said he has also held a detailed meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and discussed various issues related to security.
Malik there is no plan to launch military or security forces” operation in Punjab, adding the provincial government would take any decision in this regard, however, the federation would support them.
To another question he said the government is working on amendments in the Anti Terrorist Act (ATA) to give exemplary punishment to terrorists.
He said that ordinance in this regard is also expected as presently no session of the parliament is in progress.
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