Pakistan unveiled a new national action plan on October 3 to counter increasing terrorist attacks in the country in response to crucial decisions made by the Apex Committee on National Action Plan (NAP) under the federal government’s directives.
The newly introduced plan, based on crucial decisions made by the Apex Committee on National Action Plan, consists of 14 major actions aimed at addressing various security and law enforcement challenges.
One of the core elements of the plan is the commitment to pursue legal action against all terrorists without any discrimination, ensuring justice for victims of heinous acts, such as the tragic events in Mastung. The safety of every Pakistani citizen is declared a top priority.
To enhance the country’s counter-terrorism capabilities, the plan calls for the strengthening of provincial Counter-Terrorism Departments (CTDs) through training, provision of modern equipment, and state-of-the-art weaponry. These CTDs will play a pivotal role on the frontline against terrorist organizations.
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) will also revamp its strategy to focus on coordinated Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) by provincial CTDs. Moreover, intelligence sharing among all agencies is emphasized, with substantial modifications made to counter-terrorism policies and strategies. NACTA will provide counter-terrorism training and enhance the capacity of CTDs.
In a unified effort, the army and Frontier Corps (FC) pledge to extend support to the CTDs and police whenever required, with the state maintaining exclusive control over the use of force. Additionally, efforts will be made to prosecute extremist groups.
The plan also underscores the safeguarding of minorities against violence by extremist elements and the pursuit of legal measures against riverine dacoits along the Indus River. Stringent legal actions will target smugglers and hoarders, while Pakistan’s borders will be vigilantly protected against unauthorized incursions.
Furthermore, a new single-document regime will be enforced with Afghanistan, effective November 1, allowing entry only to valid passport holders with a valid visa. This measure aims to strengthen border control and security.
The committee also addressed the ongoing issues of smuggling and hoarding, expressing concern over the involvement of government personnel. It was decided to tighten the noose around political and government officials engaged in smuggling, with a commitment to fair investigations.
Furthermore, the committee pledged to monitor Afghan transit trade to prevent smuggling, expressed satisfaction over measures to stabilize the currency, and condemned recent acts of terrorism. It reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and use all available resources to achieve this goal.
The meeting received briefings from the Interior Ministry and intelligence agencies on the investigation into terrorist attacks and took important decisions regarding actions against illegal residents. The implementation of the National Action Plan was also reviewed.
The comprehensive plan, revealed during a meeting attended by key stakeholders, armed forces leaders, and civilian institution heads, was chaired by Interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar and his cabinet members.
Civilian causalities in terror attacks doubled in September 2023
In September, Pakistan witnessed a rise in terrorist attacks, with 136 killed in 65 attacks, as per an Islamabad-based think tank, PICSS.
Injuries included civilians, security personnel, and militants. Although there was a 34% decrease in attacks compared to August, deaths increased by 21%, and injuries surged by 66%. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the most targeted region with 23 attacks, while Balochistan saw a substantial rise in fatalities due to a single attack in Mastung. Civilians accounted for 62% of those killed, while security forces and militants comprised 19% each among the casualties.
Notably, a bombing in Mastung left 55 dead. On September 6, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacked Chitral, killing four soldiers. Three suicide bombings occurred, resulting in 26 deaths, including 10 soldiers. Guerrilla attacks numbered 18, and there were 12 IED incidents.
The Pakistan Army’s intensified efforts led to a reduction in attacks, with 37 operations resulting in 47 suspected militants killed and 46 arrested.