Punjab forms counter-terrorism board

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has formed a counter-terrorism board to check the recent surge in terrorist attacks in the province.

“The eight-member board will be tasked to devise a strategy against terrorism and extremist tendencies in society,” a source privy to the development told The Express Tribune.

The board members will include provincial law minister, chief and home secretaries, inspector-general of police and two members of the provincial assembly, to be nominated by the chief minister.

The source said the board would be the highest forum as far as matters related to war on terrorism are concerned. He added that the board would focus on the new trend of terrorism and give guidelines to law enforcement agencies on tackling the menace.

“It will prove effective in ridding the province of the menace as early as possible,” the official said, adding that the board would also review the government’s counter-terror policy.

He also disclosed that in addition to the board, a provincial intelligence committee had been set up headed by the provincial chief secretary. The committee will analyse intelligence submitted by different agencies and will report to the board.

“The committee will also ensure close coordination among different intelligence agencies working in the field,” he said, adding that law-enforcement agencies need to be brought closer.

The government has also established a counter-terrorism implementation committee to be headed by the chief secretary.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2010.0