ISLAMABAD: The top decision-making body on National Action Plan on Thursday decided to fast track implementation of various measures to meet emergent security and governance challenges including cyber security, espionage, judicial and civil reforms, capacity building of law-enforcement agencies, counter violent extremism and other issues that have a direct bearing on national security.
The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the Apex Committee of National Action Plan held with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair. The meeting was attended by federal ministers for foreign affairs, defence, finance, interior, information as well as the chief of army staff, Inter-Services Intelligence director general, the national security advisor, chief ministers of the provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan, AJ&K PM, federal secretaries, chief secretaries, inspector generals and other senior civil and military officials.
The meeting was held to take into account the latest developments especially the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan and its possible implications for the country. The meeting reviewed the progress made so far on various components of the NAP.
“It was decided to fast track implementation of various measures to meet emergent security challenges including cyber security, espionage, judicial and civil reforms, capacity building of law-enforcement agencies, counter violent extremism and other issues having a direct bearing on national security,” an official handout issued following the meeting said.
The meeting also reviewed various steps that have been put in place to ensure fool-proof security of the foreigners especially the Chinese nationals working on China, Pakistan Economic Corridor, and non-CPEC projects in the country.
The Committee reviewed short-term, medium and long-term targets of the revised National Action Plan and deliberated upon the role and responsibilities of all stakeholders including federation, provinces and law-enforcement agencies. It was decided that tangible key performance indicators would be set for each target with delineated timelines.
In order to ensure timely, correct and smooth flow of information about internal security issues, it was decided to set up a National Crisis Information Management Cell with ministries of Interior and Information as lead bodies.
The meeting also reviewed internal situations especially some recent incidents involving law and order. It was resolved that all measures would be taken to ensure internal security and miscreants would be dealt with the full force of the law.
The premier stated that the nation has paid a huge price in fighting the menace of terrorism. He paid glowing tributes to the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies and other law-enforcement agencies for their invaluable contributions and sacrifices towards ensuring internal security.
The PM emphasized the need for enhanced coordination and effective measures to achieve the various short, medium and long-term targets set under the revised National Action Plan.
