ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A total of 2,533 terrorists were arrested from across the country during the last two years, the National Assembly was informed on Thursday.
In a written reply, the interior ministry informed the Lower House of the Parliament that at least 726 terrorists who went on trial in various courts over being allegedly involved in terror-related incidents were acquitted during the said period.
The House was apprised that as many as 1068 terrorists were arrested from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 897 from Sindh, 193 from Balochistan, 206 from Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA), 42 from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 55 from Punjab and 72 from Gilgit-Baltistan.
Similarly, around 636 terrorists were acquitted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 43 in Balochistan, 7 in Punjab and 41 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
NAP being implemented to root out terrorism: NA told
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Interior Muhammad Balighur Rehman told the National Assembly during question hour that the 20-point National Action Plan is being implemented with full commitment and in coordination with all stakeholders to root out terrorism from the country.
Balighur Rehman said that the anti-terror plan is comprehensive and all-encompassing document aimed at eliminating terrorism, extremism and militancy in all its forms and manifestations.
The state minister said that the main thrust of the NAP is zero tolerance for terrorist organizations and individuals; their financers and sympathizers and addressing the roots of terrorism through long-term measures.
Balighur Rehman said that steps taken under the NAP include establishment of Special Trial Courts, countering hate speech and material, measures against misuse of loudspeakers, ban on glorification of terrorists, biometric verification of SIMs, Karachi operation and daily combing operations that are creating visible impact and deterrence.
To a question, he said that two groups of 45 police personnel each are being raised as Quick Response Force at international standard in Islamabad to counter terrorism. He said that steps have also been taken for capacity building of the police through training and equipping with latest weapons and technology.
In reply to another question, the minister of state for interior said that there is a proposal under consideration for establishment of new executive passport office in Quetta which will be made functional during this year.
Source: APP/DND
