Islamabad (HRNW)- Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that terrorism had been largely eliminated in Pakistan by 2017, but subsequent policy changes significantly undermined years of counter-terrorism efforts.
Addressing a capacity-building workshop organized by SSDO, Tarar said perception is often more powerful than reality in an information war and emphasized the need to bridge the gap between perception and reality through effective national communication.
He said federal and provincial governments, the Pakistan Army, law-enforcement agencies and other institutions had jointly worked to combat terrorism under the National Action Plan. He also highlighted the sacrifices of soldiers, police officers, politicians, professionals and ordinary citizens during the fight against terrorism.
Tarar said Pakistan had achieved significant successes on the narrative front and argued that the country’s counter-terrorism achievements contributed to improved security and increased investment. However, he said a later policy shift caused four years of counter-terrorism efforts to suffer, adding that political parties were not adequately consulted at the time.
The minister said the government and security institutions remain committed to eliminating terrorism and claimed that foreign elements are involved in terrorist activities. He also highlighted measures to strengthen cybercrime laws, digital communications and Pakistan’s international image.
Tarar said Pakistan had achieved diplomatic successes and emerged as a mediator respected internationally. He stressed that terrorism has no religion, race or nationality and said imposing ideologies through violence is unacceptable.
He further emphasized the development of Balochistan, continuity of national policies and political consensus on counter-terrorism efforts.
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