Pakistan is committed to fighting terrorism as highlighted by counter-terrorism dialogues with the UK, EU, and Japan. The discussions are rooted in the National Action Plan and Anti-Terrorism Act, focusing on dismantling terrorist networks and curbing extremist financing. Ongoing military operations and establishment of NACTA support these initiatives, despite challenges in dealing with ideological extremism. Recent high-level visits have further strengthened international cooperation.
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms during ongoing counter-terrorism dialogues with various international partners including the United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan. The Foreign Office emphasized that these discussions are aligned with Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy, primarily outlined in the National Action Plan (NAP) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997, which aims to dismantle terrorist networks, regulate madrassas, and limit extremist financing.
The establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) plays a crucial role in coordinating operations among intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Pakistan has also conducted military-led initiatives such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad to counter militant strongholds. Nonetheless, significant challenges persist, particularly in ideological extremism and ensuring sustained de-radicalization efforts amid complex regional security dynamics.
During a recent press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan detailed significant discussions that took place in the second round of the Pakistan-United Kingdom Counter-Terrorism Dialogue on February 17-18. He noted that both parties shared insights on the security landscape, especially regarding threats emanating from Afghanistan and regional terrorist entities.
On February 20, Pakistan held its ninth Counter-Terrorism Dialogue with the European Union in Brussels, led by Director General for Counter-Terrorism, Ambassador Abdul Hameed, and his counterpart from the European External Action Service, Maciej Stadejek. The talks focused on shared concerns about evolving terrorist threats on national and regional levels.
Additionally, the fourth round of Counter-Terrorism Consultations with Japan took place in Tokyo on February 26, where the Pakistani delegation was led by Additional Secretary (UN), Ambassador Nabeel Munir. The discussions with Japan, led by Ambassador Minami Hiroyuki, emphasized a unified approach to combating terrorism in all its manifestations.
In related developments, the Foreign Office spokesperson highlighted the recent visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that it was his first official visit to Pakistan. This visit resulted in the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering diverse sectors such as banking, railways, mining, and infrastructure development.
In conclusion, Pakistan is actively engaging in international dialogues to enhance its counter-terrorism efforts, showing a commitment to addressing security threats at both national and regional levels. The strategic establishment of bodies like NACTA and cooperation with countries such as the UK, EU, and Japan reflect a coordinated response to the challenges posed by terrorism. Furthermore, high-level visits underscore the strengthening of international cooperation to combat terrorism and foster economic development.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
