ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday said it is the state's responsibility to ensure that no innocent man is hanged by the courts.

Speaking to reporters about the 21st Constitutional Amendment in the capital, Nisar said, "While it is the state's responsibility that no one guilty of terrorism should be excused, it is also our responsibility that no innocent man is hanged," said Nisar.

He added that when it comes to pending death sentences, they will be dealt with soon.

Responding to international criticism regarding death penalties in Pakistan, Nisar stated "We will do what ever is in the best interest of Pakistan. This law is in the US, India and Japan as well, why don't they express their reservations there?"

The Interior Minister further stated that the masses should also play their role in countering terrorism in Pakistan, and that the toll-free counter-terrorism hotline is not a joke.

He further said that there should be no misconception that the war is over, and that according to the National Action Plan (NAP), intelligence based operations are persistently taking place.

Nisar unhappy with provinces' response to National Action Plan

Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan at an earlier meeting expressed displeasure over the response of provincial law enforcement authorities regarding the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) and warned officials to take the task seriously.

Chairing a high level meeting at the Interior Ministry which reviewed the NAP, Nisar directed police and security agency officials to adopt a proactive approach on counter-terrorism as the country is in a state of war.

Officials from National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Capital Police, National Crisis Management Cell and intelligence agencies, along with officials from provincial home departments attended the meeting.

Although senior officials wanted to give a presentation, they were stopped by the Interior Minister, who asked them to provide him concrete results over the NAP implementation, which in turn embarrassed the officials.

Financial support to religious institutions from various sources also came under discussion.

According to sources, Nisar directed officials to complete the process of tracing funding to seminaries and submit a report in order for there to be action.

Feedback on the National Toll-free Counter-terrorism Helpline also came under discussion. The minister directed concerned officials to streamline the system and detect fake callers.