–Minister says BRICS declaration endorses Pakistan’ stance on counterterrorism
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Monday that a policy is being drafted with the assistance of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for countering extremism in educational institutes of the country.
Addressing reporters after paying his tribute at Mazar-e-Quaid on Jinnah’s death anniversary, the interior minister said that terrorists are trying to lure the youth through the social media.
He said the HEC and other institutions of higher education are on board with equal attention towards revision in educational curriculum of the secondary and higher school levels in order to counter extremist mindsets at an early level.
He said that the National Action Plan (NAP) has put an end to sectarianism and religious intolerance in the country. “It took four years to eradicate hatred from the country,” said Iqbal.
While referring to the recently adopted BRICS declaration against terrorist groups, Iqbal said that China’s policy on Pakistan remains unchanged and the declaration is the same as was at the Heart of Asia conference. The minister added that the BRICS declaration was not against Pakistan. In fact, the declaration endorsed Pakistan’s stance that banned organisations are not accepted by the country and have nothing to do with the country’s foreign policy. Iqbal also confirmed Chinese support and commitment towards Pakistan.
Pointing at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, Iqbal said the World XI team should receive a warm welcome in Pakistan. He was referring to Khan’s earlier criticism regarding some foreign players who played in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the interior minister also addressed the officers at Air War College on Internal Peace and Security Challenges in the province.
He said that progress has been made in overcoming security challenges and it is now time to sustain the progress.
Ahsan Iqbal further stated that the NAP is being implemented with full vigour and commitment through coordinated efforts among provinces. He emphasised the need for a strong counter narrative to stop onslaught by extremists and terrorists. He said, “We have to be aware of those political elements that are trying to lead us towards anarchy”, and added that Pakistan is also facing external dangers in the face of internal threats.
These [dangers] can only be battled through internal stability and security, the minister added.
The interior minister pointed out that the government is taking all possible steps to tackle security challenges. He lauded the efforts of all law enforcement agencies (LEA) and civilians in the fight against terrorism.
