The talks of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority’s (NACTA) revival are making headlines in Pakistan, especially after thousands of people in Swat took to the streets to protest the surge in suspected militant attacks in the area.
The security meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif pledged the revival of the National Security Committee (NSC) and the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) in collaboration with the provincial-level counter-terrorism departments. The meeting reviewed the overall law and order situation in the country and vowed to ensure the security of people’s lives and property at every cost.
NACTA is being given a central role, and promises have been made of making law enforcement bodies equipped with new technology and personnel that will aid the fight against militants. The peace talks have been inconclusive, and there has been pressure from the public to adopt a more forceful approach toward eliminating terrorism.
Unfortunately, NACTA and other similar efforts have broken down in the past due to a lack of cooperation and efficiency, with severe consequences for the country. The TTP is highly volatile and suspectable of attacking at the slightest imagined provocation. The leadership across institutions and political parties must work together to carve out a roadmap that makes us secure and to ensure this effort, like previous initiatives, does not fall through.
Counter-terrorism policies by NACTA envision several initiatives, such as cracking down on hate speech and operations against certain bodies, that cannot be carried out until the government takes a decisive call. We cannot afford to delay this further and must be diligent and transparent with any changes, developments or strategies as the situation in Swat is already alarming.
