Semester: Autumn, 2022 Level: M.Sc (Mass Communication) ASSIGNMENT No.2
Q.4 Explain the purpose for creation of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Elaborate National Action Plan as well. Why was need felt for the formulation of such plan? What are the outcomes of this plan?
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) was created in Pakistan in 2009 to serve as a focal point for the country’s counterterrorism efforts. The primary purpose of NACTA is to coordinate and integrate the intelligence-gathering and analysis activities of various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to counter terrorism and extremism in Pakistan.
The National Action Plan (NAP) was formulated in December 2014 in response to a spate of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The NAP consists of 20 points covering various areas such as countering terrorism financing, reforming the criminal justice system, empowering law enforcement agencies, and addressing the root causes of extremism.
The need for the NAP was felt because of the worsening security situation in the country, with frequent terrorist attacks targeting civilians and security forces. The government and military leadership felt that a comprehensive and coordinated approach was necessary to address the threat of terrorism.
The outcomes of the NAP have been mixed. Some progress has been made in areas such as countering terrorism financing and empowering law enforcement agencies. However, there have been challenges in implementing certain points of the plan, such as reforming the criminal justice system and addressing the root causes of extremism. Additionally, some critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the NAP.
Overall, while the NAP has helped to focus attention on the issue of terrorism in Pakistan and has led to some positive developments, there is still much work to be done to effectively counter the threat of terrorism and extremism in the country.
