ISLAMABAD, Dec 12: The government has finalized a new plan to make the war against terror more effective and to ensure internal security by involving the elected representatives in its execution.

“Law-enforcement agencies need to be strengthened by associating elected representatives to effectively combat terrorism and ensure internal security,” Interior Minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat said.

Talking to Dawn on Thursday, he said his ministry had worked out a new plan, adding “we need to take this war against terrorism to its logical conclusion by hunting terrorists operating in Pakistan and other criminals who have become a threat to our internal security”.

In reply to a question, the minister pointed out that guidelines had been given to the provinces to carry out the plan against terrorists and other violators of law.

Asked whether the plan was aimed at supporting the US government to hunt down Al Qaeda terrorists in tribal areas, he said Pakistan was committed to offer all support against terrorism. “This is not the question of supporting America but to fulfil our commitments made with the international community against terror,” he explained.

In reply to a question, Mr Hayat said the religious elements that were supporting Al Qaeda or any other terrorist organization would be taken to task. “We are very clear and firm about taking action against those who are becoming a threat to our internal security and sovereignty.”

The minister regretted that people had lost confidence in the law-enforcement agencies. “Bottom line is that public needs to be offered security, justice and fair play, and this will be done by the new elected government,” he pledged.

In reply to another question, the minister said that elected representatives were important stakeholders and they needed to be taken into confidence for ensuring better security and combating terrorist activities in the country. Pakistan, he remarked, had become a front line state and had no option but to fully support the anti-terror war.

Asked whether a crackdown would be launched, the minister said everything cannot be disclosed at this stage and added that let the new plan work effectively without bringing it into every one’s knowledge.