ISLAMABAD: The National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NECTA) informed the Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has increased its footprint during the peace talks as its activities have increased following the US withdrawal. It is still based in Afghanistan. Friday.
The Senate panel was told that the outlawed outfit gained considerable reach during the peace negotiation process and increased its footprint and intensity of activities. It added that the terrorism index has increased.
In a report submitted to a Senate committee, the authority said strong public opposition to returning to Swat was a positive development. It said that local people, especially the political leadership active against militancy, need to be supported and protected through institutional mechanisms.
The briefing said that traditional routes of militants have also been tracked and cleared and 18 additional police forces are being deployed. He also told the panel about the peace jeep rallies patrolling the area which has increased tourist arrivals.
Necta also said that the joint operation by the SFS and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) has resulted in the dispersal of the militants.
Any change in local population in adjacent areas needs to be monitored. Furthermore, the presence of militants indicates the comfort of the residents in the area, which needs to be countered by the concerted efforts of the security apparatus.
It was also discussed that due to winter and lack of support infrastructure and logistics, militants are likely to move from hilly areas. The committee suggested that specific areas of security should be discussed further during the in-camera sessions.
Bill
Meanwhile, the Senate committee unanimously passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which makes child pornography punishable by not less than three years and up to 14 years depending on the severity of the offence, which was discussed in the session.
The bill approved by the National Assembly was presented in the Senate by Senator Rubina Khalid.
The purpose of this bill is to take cognizance of the growing incidence of sexual exploitation and cybercrime against children in the light of the government’s constitutional and international commitments.
The bill was passed unanimously, making child pornography punishable by three years and up to 14 years, depending on the severity of the crime.
The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior was chaired by Senator Mohsin Aziz, in which Senators Rubina Khalid, Maula Bakhsh Chandio, Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Faisal Salim Rehman, Kamil Ali Agha, Sami Ezidi and Dilawar Khan participated while Secretary Interior also participated. attended Ministry of Interior and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
The matter of public importance raised by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Swat was also raised.
