Altaf calls for National Counter Terrorism Policy

Karachi—Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Chief Altaf Hussain on Sunday called for the formulation of a National Counter Terrorism Policy (NCTP) and establishment of a permanent institution to prevent terrorism.

In a statement issued by MQM here, Altaf Hussain has appealed to President, Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Members of the Federal Cabinet, Institutions of National Security and Chiefs of Armed Forces to immediately formulate a National Counter Terrorism Policy (NCTP) and establish a permanent institution to prevent terrorism.

Altaf Hussain stated that the ongoing brutal, heinous and cowardly act of terrorism in the country has claimed the precious lives of innocent citizens and security personnel- and even innocent children are being targeted.

He said that other national departments and institutions have formulated their respective policies such as education policy, health policy, trade policy, economic and social policy and to tackle with natural disasters and calamity a National Disaster Management Policy.

However, it is unfortunate that everyday anti-state elements and terrorists are committing acts of terrorism throughout the country claiming lives of hundreds of innocent civilians, officers and personnel of law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and armed forces but we don’t have a clear policy and institution to deal with such acts of terrorism, he said.

He added therefore, it is the need of the time and to deal with the increasing acts of terrorism that a National Counter Terrorism Policy (NCTP) is formulated and a permanent institution is established for the prevention of terrorism.

Altaf Hussain said that for the national security and stability, to provide security to the life and property of each and every citizen and to provide safety and security to important national institutions a comprehensive NCTP is needed immediately.

Altaf Hussain was of the view that alongside dealing with anti-state elements, the government should also target on reduction in poverty, spread of education, provision of basic health facilities and employment and delivering good governance.

The personnel of armed forces and other law enforcement agencies are dedicatedly performing their duties to counter terrorism and sacrificing their lives but it is now essential that a policy is formulated that tackles this menace of terrorism and encourages inclusion of representatives from all walks of life.

It is further stressed that the role of scholars, ulema, political and social leadership and their workers, members of print and electronic media, civil society, lawyers fraternity, traders, businessmen, industrialists, labour class, youth, students and every member of the society will have to play their role and provide the guidelines besides creating awareness amongst citizens on how to deal with terrorism.—APP....LINK