Pakistan Government Plans to Block Terrorists’ Social Media Accounts

ISLAMABAD: The government has resolved to intensify measures against terrorist organizations and impose restrictions on the utilization of social media by proscribed terrorist groups.

The coordination committee for the National Action Plan (NAP), convened on Tuesday under the leadership of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, resolved to implement extensive measures aimed at curtailing the activities of proscribed terrorist organizations on social media platforms.

It has been determined that the social media accounts of proscribed terrorist organizations will be suspended in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA). Concurrently, the provincial authorities will implement measures as part of a comprehensive strategy to curtail the utilization of illicit SIM cards.

The senior officials of all pertinent institutions, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), have been instructed to devise an effective mechanism for discussion at the forthcoming meeting.

The NAP Coordination Committee has reported the elimination of 206 terrorists through a total of 7,984 intelligence-driven operations as of October. Nevertheless, information obtained from the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) indicated that 464 militants were neutralized during 129 operations conducted between January and November.

The Interior Minister denounced the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, declaring the establishment of a National Fusion Centre to enhance coordination efforts. He underscored the necessity of fortifying counter-terrorism forces in these provinces through enhanced collaboration and support aimed at augmenting their operational capabilities.

The Interior Minister has also advocated for improved coordination between the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and provincial authorities, and has instructed law enforcement agencies to submit their resource requirements within a period of seven days. Reforms have been announced to reinstate NACTA’s fundamental role in combating terrorism.

Furthermore, law enforcement personnel would be provided with advanced technological resources to enhance their operational efficacy. The security of Chinese nationals was assessed, emphasizing the rigorous execution of security protocols. Discussions were held regarding the enhancement of the Pakistan Coast Guards’ capabilities to address the issue of narcotics smuggling. Ultimately, the national coordinator of NACTA delivered a comprehensive update on the advancements pertaining to the resolutions established in relation to counterterrorism efforts.