Islamabad (Khyber Mail): A panel of prominent security and governance experts has called for a unified, coherent, and comprehensive strategy to combat the alarming resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan. The call came during a high-profile discussion organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Islamabad.
The panel included former caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, former National Security Advisers Lt. Gen. (R) Nasir Khan Janjua and Dr. Moeed Yusuf, former Defence Secretary Lt. Gen. (R) Asif Yasin Malik, and other notable figures such as Amb. Asif Ali Khan Durrani, Ihsan Ghani (former Chief of NACTA), and security analysts Imtiaz Gul, Amir Rana, Abdullah Khan, and Iftikhar Firdous.
The experts emphasized that while institutional capacity constraints exist, the most crucial component of an effective counterterrorism strategy is political will. They urged renewed efforts to implement the National Action Plan in a consistent and consensus-driven manner.
The panel stressed that Pakistan’s historical resilience proves its capability to counter threats, but terrorism’s evolving global dimension necessitates a proactive and adaptable approach. They recommended a multipronged strategy involving governance reforms, enhanced inter-provincial coordination, improved law enforcement and judicial systems, and the crackdown on corruption.
Education reform was also highlighted as a cornerstone of long-term peace. The speakers advocated revising the national curriculum to instil values of peace, tolerance, and social harmony, alongside promoting youth engagement and timely local government elections.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, who chaired the session, called for a coordinated and cohesive tactical approach backed by a strategic long-term vision to overcome Pakistan’s enduring security challenges.
The discussion concluded with a strong consensus that Pakistan must urgently develop a robust counter-narrative to confront extremism and restore peace and stability nationwide.