Pakistan to draft national plan to combat militancy

The Pakistani government has decided to draft a national counterterrorism strategy in response to a surge in militant attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to Pakistani media reports.

The plan will involve key policy measures and enhanced coordination between parliamentary parties, provincial governments, and the country’s military leadership.

The Pakistani government has also pledged stricter measures against groups actively targeting the state and security forces.

Senior officials revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has held extensive consultations with stakeholders on the rise in militant attacks, particularly those targeting security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

As part of these efforts, Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on National Security is expected to hold a closed-door session in the coming days to assess the security situation.

Proposals for counterterrorism policy reforms will be discussed in this meeting, with a final strategy to be outlined by the National Security Committee. Officials also indicated that a major operation against anti-state militant groups in affected areas is under consideration.

The federal government has signaled that militant groups may be given the option to surrender and accept the authority of the state.

Pakistan also intends to raise the issue of India’s alleged involvement and the reported use of Afghan soil in recent attacks at the United Nations and other international forums. Islamabad is expected to push for diplomatic pressure on both countries to take action against militant activities.

The counterterrorism strategy will include short-, medium-, and long-term plans, focusing on modernizing security forces with advanced weaponry and equipment. Officials have also suggested the possibility of development and employment programs for communities in regions affected by militancy.