Pak readying new anti-terror strategy

Islamabad, (ANI): Pakistan is readying a new a counter-terrorism policy under the newly formed National Counter-terrorism Authority (NACTA).

During a closed-door meeting, NACTA chief Tariq Parvez said the new policy would be prepared within the next six months.

"We are trying to formulate the new counter-terror policy in next six months, the new policy will be prepared with the consultation of all the stakeholders," The Dawn quoted Parvez, as saying.

Former Foreign Minister, Inaam-ul-Haq, who was also present during the meeting, said that it was important to define terrorism first while working out a strategy against it.

"We should define terrorism knowing that we should not include the national liberation organizations in the orbit of terrorism. And the role of NACTA should also be defined whether it is an advisory body or has some operational role," said Haq, who is considered an integral part of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).

Replying to noted journalist, Ahmed Rashid's query that whether the ISI has also been taken on board regarding the anti-terror policy, Parvez said he has had several meetings with ISI Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha over the issue.

"The ISI is on board and I have held a number of meetings with the current DG, Lt.Gen.Ahmed Shuja Pasha, who is supportive of NACTA's role," he said.