Pakistan will remain committed to war against terrorism:Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal

By;Asghar Ali Mubarak


ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that the government along with other sections of society would create a powerful and persuasive narrative to stop the tide of extremism. Addressing a press conference at Islamabad, he said, “A strong narrative is needed to stop the spread of extremism.”
He said the ministry would work with Higher Education Commission to reach out the youth to attract them towards education, science and fields of professional excellence. He said immigration officials had been directed to provide a pleasant experience to visitors in Pakistan. The visitors should be greeted in proper manner with the words ‘Welcome to Pakistan’ and facilitated accordingly at airports.
The minister said National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Passport Office had achieved many successes under the leadership of former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, whose policies of four years would continue. He said the next year would be election year and a large number of computer national identity cards (CNICs) would be in demand due to burgeoning ratio of voters. Keeping in view the following situation, new NADRA mobile vans would be put on the roads and new offices would be opened for issuance of CNICs; he said adding that the project of e-passport would be completed soon. New tools related to information technology would be introduced in the interior ministry and its associated departments and more online services would be provided as part of e-governance, he continued. The minister said 200,000 jawans of civil armed forces would be equipped with modern equipment and weapons. The civil armed forces guard the borders and coasts of Pakistan and remain vigilant to thwart acts of terrorism Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that the legislation would be done to facilitate civil armed forces working in difficult conditions. Rangers in Karachi gained a lot of success during the operation against criminals and terrorists, he mentioned.
Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that the peace and progress were two sides of the same coin.
“We are fighting against terrorism for establishing peace in the country. We have to win war against terrorism and reduce internal chaos.” Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that the said when some elements felt that they could not defeat Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz through democratic process, they started negative campaign.”Some television channels and few politicians launched propaganda against us. We will not allow them to succeed in their nefarious designs.” Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that the government would work with those people who believed in peace, democracy and supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law. Talking about Islamabad Police, Prof Ahsan said seven model police stations would be established by March next year and community based policing would be strengthened in the capital city. Rapid Response Force would also be put in place for a swift action against criminal acts. Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that on the level of villages and neighborhoods, citizens especially youth would be motivated to keep peace in their surroundings and keep an eye on criminal activities. The station house officers would be given training on leadership role and it would be ensured that police force was fit to fight against crime, he added.
Citizen Service centers in police stations would be manned by courteous police officers; he said adding there would be zero tolerance for corruption in police and Federal Investigation Agency. Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that the traffic police had been asked to take strict measures against over speeding and improper number plates, add many deaths had been occurred because people riding motorcycles did not use helmets. A campaign would be launched to create awareness about use of helmets and after a month action would be taken against violators, he added. The minister assured that land record would be computerized in in six months and better facilities of health and education would be provided to citizens in the federal capital. Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s commitment to the war against terrorism is for its own sake. “There is neither any tolerance nor any safe haven for any terrorist in Pakistan. Pakistan has paid the highest price for fighting against terrorism. So, we are fighting terrorism not for any country’s stake but for our own future and for our country’s sake,” the interior minister said earlier in the day, adding that the Pakistani government would be issuing a statement in response to US President Donald Trump’s realignment policy.
Minister for Interior Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that the, Trump alleged that Pakistan continues to harbor and house “criminals and terrorists,” despite being paid “billions and billions of dollars,” adding that this has to change.“We will continue the war against terrorism without giving weight to the US President Donald Trump’s statement,” Iqbal said in response to the Trump’s announcement of a dramatic change in strategy for South Asia.The Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal further added that making the National Action Plan successful is the government’s foremost priority. Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the federal government will further strengthen its cooperation with all provincial governments regarding the law and order situation to achieve the desired objectives.
The Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said NACTA will be made an effective institution to cement links between the security and intelligence agencies.