The recent convening of the second Counter-Terrorism Committee under the leadership of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi marks a significant step in Pakistan’s ongoing battle against terrorism. With participation from key stakeholders across federal and provincial levels, the meeting underscored the government’s commitment to reinforcing counter-terrorism efforts. Minister Naqvi’s emphasis on unity among the Prime Minister, the Army Chief, and all security institutions signals a robust, coordinated approach to tackling extremist threats. However, while the progress is commendable, the road to an effective and sustainable counter-terrorism strategy requires deeper structural reforms, improved intelligence sharing, and a proactive rather than reactive security apparatus.
One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the assertion that all major stakeholders, including the military leadership, are on the same page in countering terrorism. This unity is crucial in a country where political and institutional divergences have historically hindered security initiatives. The reaffirmation that no counter-terrorism decision will be made without provincial consultation fosters an inclusive approach that is vital for its success. Moreover, the activation of the Counter-Terrorism Departments (CTDs) at the provincial level is a strategic move. Provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which face heightened security threats due to their geographical proximity to conflict zones, require special attention. The government’s commitment to providing them with necessary resources and assistance is a welcome initiative, but effective implementation remains the key challenge.
A critical development from the meeting was the progress on establishing National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centers. The approval for the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Center indicates a shift toward an intelligence-driven counter-terrorism strategy. If properly executed, these centers could significantly improve intelligence coordination between civilian and military agencies, mitigating past lapses that have often resulted in security failures. However, for these centers to be effective, they must be insulated from political interference and operate under a transparent framework that ensures accountability.
The move to fully activate the Counter-Terrorism Wing of the FIA at the federal level is another positive step. The FIA, which primarily focuses on financial crimes and cyber threats, must be restructured and adequately equipped to handle counter-terrorism operations at a national level. Effective coordination between the FIA and provincial CTDs will be critical to disrupting terror financing networks and preempting attacks.
Minister Naqvi’s announcement regarding the reorganization of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into the National Reserve Police is a policy shift that warrants closer scrutiny. The FC has historically played a dual role—operating under the federal government in border areas while assisting provinces in maintaining law and order. Converting it into a National Reserve Police could standardize its operations, improve efficiency, and reduce jurisdictional conflicts. However, this transition must be executed with clear operational guidelines to prevent bureaucratic bottlenecks.
A pivotal aspect of the meeting was the decision to engage with the Afghan government on terrorism-related concerns. The resurgence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its cross-border attacks remain a serious security threat. Pakistan must adopt a multi-pronged approach that combines diplomatic pressure with enhanced border security measures. The role of the Foreign Ministry in effectively raising these concerns with Kabul cannot be overstated. However, past experiences indicate that merely engaging the Afghan government may not yield tangible results unless backed by a coherent security strategy, including strengthening border fencing and enhancing surveillance along the Durand Line.
The proposal to bring the regulation of explosive materials under federal jurisdiction is a necessary move. Pakistan has witnessed numerous terrorist attacks facilitated by unchecked access to explosives. A centralized framework for monitoring and regulating explosives could significantly curb their misuse. However, this requires strict enforcement mechanisms, including stringent tracking systems and penalties for illegal possession or distribution.
A notable yet often overlooked aspect of counter-terrorism efforts is the security of foreign nationals residing in Pakistan. Minister Naqvi’s directive for strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in this regard is timely, especially given Pakistan’s growing economic and strategic engagements with foreign entities. Ensuring their safety is not just a security imperative but also a diplomatic necessity to maintain Pakistan’s credibility on the international stage.
While the initiatives discussed in the Counter-Terrorism Committee meeting reflect a proactive approach, several challenges remain. Historically, well-intentioned policies have suffered due to lack of proper execution. Ensuring that CTDs are fully equipped and staffed with trained personnel should be a top priority. Intelligence sharing between civilian and military agencies must be seamless. Bureaucratic red tape and institutional rivalries have previously hindered effective counter-terrorism operations. Counter-terrorism is not just a state responsibility; public cooperation is crucial. Strengthening community policing and intelligence gathering through civilian participation can enhance early threat detection. Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts must be complemented by judicial reforms that ensure swift and fair trials for terrorism suspects. The Anti-Terrorism Act must be regularly updated to address emerging threats such as cyberterrorism.
Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership in chairing the Counter-Terrorism Committee signifies a renewed commitment to tackling terrorism through a multifaceted approach. While the measures discussed in the meeting present a strong policy framework, their success hinges on sustained implementation, inter-agency coordination, and a dynamic strategy that evolves with emerging threats. If executed effectively, Pakistan could take a decisive step towards not only neutralizing immediate threats but also establishing long-term stability in its counter-terrorism efforts.
The writer is an award winning investigative digital, print and broadcast journalist. He can be reached on X @HassanNaqvi5