Quetta: Speakers call for implementation of NAP to counter extremism, terrorism
Staff Reporter :
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Speakers at a seminar called for the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) to counter the menace of extremism and terrorism across the country. NAP needs to be implemented to eradicate the menace of extremism that exists in various shapes in the society, they demanded.
An Islamabad-based think tank has organized a seminar “Defining Terrorism in Pakistan”, “Strengthening Governance in Pakistan” at a private hotel in Quetta on Saturday.
“NAP needs to be implemented in letter and spirit”, Zahoor Buledi, the Balochistan Finance Minister stated. He however said a prevailing sense of deprivation, poverty, violence, and other issues were the underlying reason behind the unrest in Balochistan.
“Such issues should be addressed”, Mr. Buledi said
“Such issues should be addressed”, Mr. Buledi said. The Finance Minister thus informed that terrorist incidents have claimed more than 2,000 lives in Southern Balochistan.
The speakers lamented that 14 committees established under the NAP. However, only 2 started their work and 12 committees failed to perform their duties.
“There has to be action against terrorists across the board”, Nasrullah Khan Zarai, a legislator from the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) said. He said thousands of people lost their lives in this cycle of terrorism.
National narrative needs to be promotedÂ
Muhammad Amir Rana, a well-known columnist underlined the need for a joint national narrative to discourage extremism and counter-propaganda. Shehzada Zulfiqar, the President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) termed coordinated efforts between political parties, civil society to promote a national narrative in this regard.
He warned that the prevailing unrest and civil war in Afghanistan will be having an impact on Pakistan in terms of the law and order situation.
Dr. Laal Khan Kakar, the Chairman Baz Muhammad Shaheed Foundation demanded the implementation of the Qazi Faez Isa report prepared in the aftermath of the deadly bombing of civil hospital, which claimed the lives of more than 70 people including 56 members of the legal fraternity.
Lawmakers, journalists, members of civil society, and lawyers attended the seminar and spoke at length about the NAP and the menace of extremism and terrorism in the country.
