More than 51,000 people in Pakistan have lost their lives as a result of blasts caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) since the war against terrorism started, said Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Maj Gen Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmad at the C-IED symposium.
He also looked at the IED threat spectrum, sufferings from IEDs, significance of “Whole of Nation Approach,” Pakistan/Pakistan Army’s C-IED strategy and challenges and future plans to meet the IED threat.
Maj Gen Ishfaq Nadeem opined that under a de-radicalisation programme, the youth could be prevented from joining militant groups by creating awareness against the menace of terrorism.
Chairman C-IED Organisation Maj Gen Sohail Hafeez discussed the menace of IED and Pakistan Army’s efforts in countering this threat while he also talked about the hidden trauma, nature and type of casualties and rehabilitation challenges.
In his presentation, anchorperson Talat Hussain dilated on the role of media in community awareness and public responsibilities in dealing with the menace of IEDs.
He strongly supported the role of media especially radio, television and print for creating awareness among people against the threat of IEDs.
Deputy Director for Operations/Intelligence Integration, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organisation, USA, Brig Gen Roberts P Walters Jr shared the United States’ experience on countering the IED threat.
In his presentation, Director, Battlefield Manoeuvre and Master General of Ordnance, Major General Nick Pope of the British Army looked at international efforts on countering IEDs and shared best practices, especially focusing on lead nations’ C-IED models (USA, UK and Australia).
The daylong activity, spread over four sessions brought together seven speakers including two senior officers as speakers from USA and British Army and an estimated 170 participants including 60 foreign diplomats/delegates and guests from the government, army, law enforcement agencies, academia, industry, private sector, subject experts and members of local and international media.
