‘Anti-terror strategy in six months’

By Azaz Syed
Sunday, 17 Jan, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The National Counter-terrorism Authority (NACTA), a newly established civilian government body, has formally undertstarted the formulation of new counter-terrorism policy.

“We are trying to formulate the new counter-terror policy in next six months, the new policy will be prepared with the consultation of all the stakeholders,” said Tariq Pervez the chief of NACTA while talking to the participants of a round table , closed door , simulation conference , specially held to gather recommendations from the experts of different segments of life.

The closed door meeting was first of its kind in which almost ten experts of different schools of thoughts were invited like the gray haired Inaam ul Haq the former Foreign Minister who once remained a key player in formulating the country’s foreign policy supportive of the armed militants.

Ahmed Rashid, renowned Pakistani journalists who is viewed as a Pro-American analyst in the Pakistani military establishment was also present with his lethal but realistic arguments.

“We have invited you all to help government to formulate new counter-terror policy,” Tariq Pervez , inviting the participants for their point of views, after giving detailed briefing on the organization and proposed working of Nacta.

Tariq Pervez, who has earned respect and fame as one of the top counter-terror experts, also suggested the participants to give their opinions about the definition of terrorism and the future role of NACTA.

Inaam ul Haq, a former foreign minister who is still considered a favourite of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), while opening the discussion raised two important questions

“We should define terrorism knowing that we should not include the national liberation organizations in the orbit of terrorism. And the role of NACTA should also be defined _ whether it is an advisory body or has some operational role.”

Tasneem Noorani, a former interior secretary, pointed out the weakness of the education system, saying that it had led to an alternative in the shape of Madrassah education. He said that Nacta should also review the education policy.

Journalist Ahmed Rashid addressed the most important question of the entire session by bluntly asking Tariq Pervez: :Have you taken ISI on board?

Tariq Pervez replied: “Yes. ISI is on board and I have held a number of meetings with the current DG, Lt.Gen.Ahmed Shuja Pasha, who is supportive of Nacta’s role.”