Mobile app to report hate speech launched

Interior Minister opens NACTA’s new building in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Monday launched a mobile phone application for the public to report hate speech and extremist content online and offline. The Android-iOS app named CHAUKAS has been developed by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

The App, which is available on the Google and Apple playstores, enables citizens to report extremist content and activities anonymously and securely whenever they notice it in their areas and also on the internet. The data and information received will be shared with the Police, FIA and other law-enforcement and regulatory authorities in Pakistan.



Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Iqbal said the app will help counter extremism and terrorism through direct involvement of the people. He directed the officials to take timely action on the complaints so that the application can be made effective.

Earlier that day, the Interior Minister inaugurated the new building of NACTA headquarters in Islamabad. He took a round of the newly established building and also chaired a meeting related to internal security.

The meeting was attended by Inspectors General of Police of all provinces, Director General National Police Bureau, Commandant FC and other senior officials.

Addressing the meeting, the Interior Minister stated police and counter terrorism departments should start youth internship programmes as several members of the nation’s youthful population want to work in federal institutions.

He said peace and stability was interlinked with economic prosperity and directed the officials to ensure security along the CPEC route.

Iqbal also advised them to establish a terrorism screening system and to get benefits from the expertise of international security institutions through partnership and mutual collaboration.



Furthermore, he directed the relevant authorities to extend the Safe City project to other cities. The purpose of The Safe City Project is to utilise technology to make policing more efficient and ensure security for local residents. Intelligence Video Surveillance, Number Plate Recognition, Vehicle Management System Cameras etc  are all included as a part of the Safe City Project, which continues to launch innovative ideas for how technology can be utilised for national security.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2018.