ISLAMABAD: The army on Tuesday renewed its resolve to support the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) for fighting terrorism and extremism.

The resolve was reiterated at a meeting of the Corps Commanders at the General Headquarters (GHQ), which was chaired by Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. The corps commanders meeting, which is a monthly feature at the GHQ, usually discusses the external and internal security challenges in addition to the army’s professional matters.

“Forum also expressed its resolve to support government and all stakeholders in implementation of National Action Plan,” said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement about the meeting.

This month’s conference was held at a time when the government is stepping up to the plate to meet the gaps in the implementation of NAP. The government constituted the National Internal Security Committee (NISC) for inter-agency as well as inter-provincial coordination on security matters.

Corps commanders’ conference reviews situation along eastern border

NAP implementation got additional focus because of expiry of legislation on military courts on March 30. Military courts were set up under the agreement on NAP, whose point 2 provided for setting up of special courts, headed by the officers of the armed forces, initially for a period of two years for speedy trial of terrorists. The courts were subsequently extended for another two years in 2017.

However, this time around political support for yet another extension is still to be developed because of the ongoing government-opposition confrontation.

The corps commanders reiterated that they would continue their efforts for bringing about an enduring peace in the country while supporting all initiatives towards regional peace, according to the ISPR.

While implementation of some elements of NAP such as execution of terrorism convicts, military courts, Fata reforms and the Karachi operation saw good progress, others including strengthening of NACTA, blocking terror financing, preventing re-emergence of proscribed organisations, registration and regulation of seminaries, and criminal justice reforms have been lagging behind.

Gen Bajwa told the participants that after achieving “stability against terrorism, Pakistan is on positive trajectory of becoming a state where prerogative of use of weapons rests with the state alone and socio-economic development is taking pre-eminence.”

The corps commanders also deliberated on the tense situation with India. Although the tensions have significantly declined since the events of February, Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal in his regular media briefing a few days back had said the situation had not fully de-escalated.

India again committed ceasefire violations on Monday night in Rakhchakri, Rawalakot sector along the Line of Control (LOC) in which three soldiers were martyred.

The corps commanders’ conference on Tuesday reviewed geostrategic environment and ongoing situation along eastern border. “Forum expressed strong will, resolve and determination to defend the motherland against any misadventure or aggression,” the ISPR said.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2019