Execution of NAP: Sindh govt’s inaction disappoints Centre

Civil-military leadership discuss measures for effective implementation; review Operation Zarb-e-Azb

ISLAMABAD:

A high-level huddle on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the resumption of channels of communication between the interior ministry and the Prime Minister House to coordinate implementation of the new counterterrorism plan but voiced dismay over its poor execution in Sindh.

Chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the civil-military huddle pored over the National Action Plan (NAP), reviewed progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and discussed repatriation of the temporarily displaced persons (TDPs). Attendees included Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif and ISI chief Lt-Gen Rizwan Akhtar.

Sources said the federal government and top civil and military leadership were pleased that the interior ministry and the Prime Minister House were communicating again. Premier Nawaz and Chaudhry Nisar had developed some differences, which affected their coordination on NAP’s execution. However, their misunderstandings were removed in a one-to-one reconciliatory meeting on Tuesday.

Disappointment in Sindh

The civil and military leadership believe the Sindh government has not complied with the apex committee’s decisions regarding the law and order situation in Karachi and NAP’s execution, said a source. “The committee’s recommendation of deploying professional and competent police officers was also ignored,” he said. “Similarly, the counter-terrorism force (CTF) for Sindh’s urban areas, particularly for Karachi, has yet to shape up.”

Despite their disappointment in the Sindh government, the civil and military leadership vowed to continue the ongoing surgical operation in Karachi.

Appreciation for Punjab

The civil and military leadership were satisfied with the Punjab government as regards NAP’s execution, said a source. Punjab Home Minister Col (retd) Shuja Khanzada told The Express Tribune that under the NAP, Punjab had geotagged all madrassas, arrested all criminals under the fourth schedule and executed 100 convicts. “Around 840 CTF personnel are carrying out raids across the province while 4,200 suspects have been arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act.”

Army chief Gen Raheel briefed the meeting about the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the expansion of its scope to Shawal Valley.

Regarding the unrest in Balochistan, the civil and military leadership discussed the Research & Analysis Wing’s involvement as well as cooperation with Afghanistan to tackle the issue, said a source. “The meeting expressed satisfaction over the recent agreement between the Afghanistan’s intelligence agency and the ISI.”

Funds for TDPs

About the repatriation and rehabilitation of the TDPs in North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Tirah Valley, the military sought Rs200 billion from the federal government, according to a source. “However, the Centre could promise only Rs40 billion.”

Balochistan law and order

Premier Nawaz chaired a meeting at the PM House to discuss the political and law and order situation in Balochistan. He said the government was providing necessary funds for the development and taking concrete steps to ensure peace, security and stability in the province. He said Balochistan would greatly benefit from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, bringing a wave of prosperity in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2015.