• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Musharraf vows to rid Pakistan of terrorism, extremism

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Sept 8, IRNA
Pakistan-Musharraf
Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf said on Thursday that relentless and persistent efforts will continue at all levels till the country is rid of the scourge of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism.

He made the remarks while presiding over meeting of the country's National Security Council (NSC) in Islamabad on Thursday, an official statement said.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and other members of the Council attended the meeting.

The opposition boycotted the NSC. Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly and Chief Executive in the Northwest Frontier Province, who are members of the NSC boycotted the meeting.

Short and long term measures have been undertaken to curb extremist tendencies which form basis for terrorism, the statement quoted the President as telling the NSC.

The short term actions include banning of militant organizations also ensuring that such outfits do not resurface under any other name.

He said publication and distribution of hate material is being strictly checked while ensuring that the loud speakers in the places of worship are not miss-used.

President Musharraf said as long term steps Madrassa reforms have been initiated with the aim of improving their syllabi.

He said a national and international discourse is being initiated for promotion and understanding of real values and true essence of Islam and curbing the menace of extremism and terrorism from the society.

Underscoring the need for addressing the root causes of the terrorism the President said that fight against this menace could not be won without addressing unresolved political disputes including Palestine and Kashmir in a just manner.

Federal Minister for Interior Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao briefed the participants on internal security imperatives with particular emphasis on the strategy to eliminate terrorism, extremism and sectarianism from the country.

He said the government has taken several initiatives in-line with the President's multi-pronged strategy to bring about a societal change and major strides have been made to root out extremism and militancy from the society.

Mr. Sherpao said government displaying firm resolve and commitment has prohibited display of weapons, banned militant organizations, promulgated anti-terrorist act and set up
counter-terrorism structures. An intelligence coordination committee has been established with a comprehensive anti-terrorism strategy in place.

The Minister said banned militant organizations are being monitored and protection of the foreigners is being ensured.

He said government is focusing on capacity building of criminal investigation and Madaris are being regulated.

The campaign against sectarianism, extremism and terrorism has received fresh impetus following measures initiated by the President.

These include action against banned organizations, printing, publication and distribution of hate literature, collection of fund in any form and check on miss-use of loud speakers in mosques and places of worship.

He said these wide ranging steps would help in rooting out the menace of sectarianism, extremism and terrorism from the society with the support of a vast moderate majority.

2020/235/1412