Pakistan has pledged to fight terrorism in all its forms through dialogues with the UK, EU, and Japan. The country relies on its National Action Plan and the Anti-Terrorism Act, while strategies include military operations and regulatory measures. Recent discussions highlight the collaborative efforts to address evolving security threats.
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms, as outlined during its recent counter-terrorism discussions with the United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan. The Foreign Office emphasized that the country’s counterterrorism strategy is guided by the National Action Plan (NAP) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997, which aim to dismantle terrorist networks and regulate madrassas while addressing extremist financing.
To enhance coordination among intelligence and law enforcement, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has been established. Military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad have targeted key militant bases, while new legal reforms focus on improving prosecution processes. However, challenges persist in combating extremism ideologically and promoting long-term de-radicalization amid changing security dynamics in the region.
During a recent press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan highlighted that the second round of the Pakistan-United Kingdom Counter-Terrorism Dialogue was held on February 17-18. Discussions included assessments of the situation in Afghanistan and the global security challenges posed by various terrorist groups.
Additionally, on February 20, Pakistan and the EU conducted their ninth Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels. The Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Abdul Hameed, while the EU delegation was headed by Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defence Policy.
On February 26, Pakistan also held the fourth round of Counter-Terrorism Consultations with Japan in Tokyo, with discussions led by Ambassador Nabeel Munir and Japanese Ambassador Minami Hiroyuki. Both parties emphasized their commitment to tackling emerging terrorist threats on both national and regional levels thoroughly.
Moreover, the spokesperson noted the recent visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which several memoranda of understanding were signed across various sectors, including banking and infrastructure.
In summary, Pakistan has committed itself to a robust counter-terrorism policy supported by international dialogues and military initiatives. Despite significant efforts outlined by its National Action Plan, the country faces ongoing challenges in ideological extremism and de-radicalization efforts. The partnerships formed with global counterparts highlight a coordinated approach to addressing and combating terrorism effectively.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
