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A policy dialogue was held on Wednesday to strengthen counterterrorism, countering violent extremism, and institutional coordination in Sindh, with the participants stressing the need for effective legislation, parliamentary oversight, inter-agency coordination and an integrated strategy to address emerging security challenges.
Officials said that the dialogue was organised by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation, with the support of the British High Commission and in collaboration with the home department’s Sindh Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (SCECVE).
The event was attended by provincial assembly members; parliamentary leaders; representatives of the home department, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and the civil society; experts and other stakeholders.
The participants reviewed the threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism, the existing mechanisms, and institutional gaps and challenges. They underscored the importance of effective legislation, the implementation of laws, parliamentary oversight and stronger coordination among the relevant institutions for sustainable peace in the province.
CTD Sindh Addl IGP Zulfiqar Larek said that strengthening non-kinetic measures is essential to counter terrorism and extremism. Joint efforts by LEAs and other institutions has resulted in a significant decline in terrorist incidents in Sindh, he added.
He said that several potential incidents have been prevented through timely action. However, he added, sustained progress would require greater involvement of society and communities. Brigadier (retd) Inamul Haq said the SCECVE is primarily focused on preventing extremism, rehabilitating vulnerable individuals and facilitating their reintegration into society.
A comprehensive communication policy for Pakistan is being developed with the participation of the federal government and all the provinces, he added. He said that a five-year strategic plan for Sindh has also been devised, focusing on a province-specific counter-extremism policy, research, capacity building, community engagement, promotion of positive narratives, rehabilitation and reintegration.
The parliamentary leaders and PA members said that although Sindh has several laws relating to counterterrorism and other relevant areas, the major challenge is their effective implementation and oversight.
They stressed that countering terrorism requires not only security operations but also measures to address the ideological and social drivers of extremism, protecting young people from extremist narratives, and countering propaganda and misinformation.
The participants also agreed on the need to strengthen peace committees at the district level to facilitate the timely identification and prevention of local disputes and extremist tendencies.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, the participants agreed to strengthen coordination between the parliament, government institutions, LEAs, civil society, academic and religious leadership, and communities in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
They also agreed that the implementation of laws and parliamentary oversight would be strengthened, while greater emphasis would be placed on positive narratives, community engagement, preventive measures, rehabilitation and institutional coordination to promote lasting peace and stability in Sindh.
