ISLAMABAD: The government decided on Monday to formulate an integrated national security policy to curb terrorism and extremism.
The decision was taken at a meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, after a thorough review the security situation, the increase in incidents of terrorism, especially suicide attacks in Punjab.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Sardar Mohammad Yaqub Khan, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Interior Adviser Rehman Malik, Chief Ministers Shahbaz Sharif, Qaim Ali Shah, Amir Haider Khan Hoti and Nawab Aslam Raisani, the secretary of interior, chief secretaries and police chiefs of all provinces, the chief commissioner and IG of Islamabad, directors-general of FIA and the Intelligence Bureau.
Besides discussing various preventive measures, the meeting decided that the parliamentary committee on national security would asses threats and prepare a draft national policy to deal with the state of insurgency, devise a de-radicalisation programme to bring religious elements, including the Madressahs, to mainstream and enhance the capacity of law-enforcement agencies, and submit a report in two weeks.
The prime minister urged the provincial governments, the Fata administration and law-enforcement agencies to enhance vigilance and strengthen security.
He said the situation called for all segments of the society to join hands to help the government in its efforts to curb extremism, militancy, sectarian violence and terrorism, adding that enemies of the state were bent upon eroding the country’s foundations, challenging its integrity and security. He said that his government would sternly deal with the threats.
The meeting ordered the provincial governments to monitor the activities of banned organisations, misuse of loudspeakers and publication of hate literature.
The prime minister urged the media to play its role of educating people by highlighting the real message of Islam which was tolerance, humility and protection of human life.
He also urged the provincial governments to get religious scholars involved in their efforts to deal with extremism and militancy.
It was decided that a meeting on national security would be held every month.
Later, the prime minister called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed with him the security situation in the wake of the recent upsurge in incidents of terrorism.
They also discussed views on the political situation in the country.
Dawn (Pakistan)