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Karachi sees reduction in crime rates with 98pc decrease in terrorism, 97pc decline in target killings, 87pc decline in murders, 52pc decrease in robberies
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed a visible decline in sectarian terrorism with only two such incidents reported during this year as compared to 185 in 2012.
During the last seven years, a total 676 incidents of sectarian terrorism were reported, of which 70 were recorded during 2011, 185 in 2012, 127 in 2013, 176 in 2014, 79 in 2015, 37 during 2016, and two such incidents in 2017.
Statistics issued by the Interior Division regarding the implementation status of National Action Plan (NAP) till August this year revealed that 937 uniform resource locators (URLs), 10 websites of proscribed organisations (POs) against abuse of internet and social media have been blocked under steps to dismantling communication networks of terrorists.
About steps ensuring against re-emergence of POs, the data showed that the number of such organisations was 63, three were under-surveillance, 8,333 persons were on 4th schedule ATA and number of movement restrictions was 2,052, while 5023 accounts were also frozen.
The data showed that the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) was also being strengthened even further. The total number of terrorists executed under ATA/PPC was 483, while 11 special trial courts were notified and 388 cases had been transferred to them.
Regarding implementation about choking of finances of terrorists, the data revealed that total 777 Hawala/Hundi cases were registered, out of which 201 were under investigation and 345 under trial, while 102 accused were convicted and 33 were acquitted. The recovered amount was Rs1,321 million and 1,060 were arrested.
Moreover, the data showed that total 336 anti-money-laundering cases were registered, of which 136 were under investigation and 147 under trial. The number of arrests was 483.
Under the suspicious transaction reports (STRs), the data revealed that 176 were received from Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU), of which 32 were converted into cases, 14 were closed and 130 were under inquiry.
A Counter-Terrorism Finance Unit was also being established in the provinces, while a draft bill ‘Anti-Money Laundering Act’ had been prepared.
The data said Karachi operation had achieved significant success by a reduction in crime rates, which included 98 per cent decrease in terrorism, 97 per cent decline in target killings, 87 per cent in murders, and 52 per cent in robberies. Around 33,378 weapons were also recovered during the on-going operation.
Moreover, with regard to resolving issues of Afghan refugees, the data showed that federal cabinet had approved repatriation and management policy in this regard, while validation of POR cards was made up to December 31, 2017. Visa forms were also developed while tripartite agreement for voluntary repatriation has been extended for one more year.
With regard to dismantling communication network of terrorists, the data showed that 98.3 million SIMs were blocked while biometric verification system (BVS) had been put in place for issuance of new ones.
The data revealed that strict implementation of ban regarding glorification of terrorists on media was being enforced.
Moreover, the data highlighted the steps taken regarding registration and regulation of religious seminaries, revealing that provincial governments had undertaken geo-mapping of such seminaries.
Moreover, two separate registration and data forms for madaris have been developed while committees under Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) were formed for grant of equivalence degree awarding status to Wafaqs.
The data said the Counter-Terrorism Force (CTF) was also established and their strength included 500 in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 4,300 in Punjab, 728 in Sindh, 1,000 in Balochistan, 2,080 in KP, 168 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 260 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
With regard to steps against religious persecution, the statistics showed that data collection is in progress and would be verified. After then it would be put for further action.
Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have registered 1353 cases, nabbed 2,528 persons and 70 shops were sealed under steps to counter hate speech, extremist literature and misuse of loudspeaker. Under misuse of a loudspeaker, 17,795 cases were registered, 18,520 persons were arrested and 7942 pieces of equipment were confiscated.
The data further revealed that visibility of armed militias and display of weapons were curtailed. Around 2,127 terrorists were killed, while 5,884 terrorists were arrested.
The federal cabinet has approved in principle recommendations of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms committee under FATA reforms.
About steps taken towards reconciliation in Balochistan, the data showed that surrender and reconciliation/rehabilitation of Ferraris was under progress.
Meanwhile, when contacted, official sources said provincial governments are responsible for implementation of major part of National Action Plan. The federal government and LEAs also share responsibility where directly related or requested for assistance.
