ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to amend a national policy to counter violent extremism. In a meeting to review the National Counter Violent Extremism Policy, 2022, the government decided to involve all stakeholders in the consultative process, introduce some amendments to the policy and forward it to the federal cabinet for approval.

The meeting, presided over by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, was also attended by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Human Rights Riaz Hussain Pirzada, and Minister of State for Interior Abdul Rehman Kanju.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing by Director General of National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) about the aims and objectives of the policy.

The DG Nacta said the policy had been devised based on the opinions of over 280 experts to identify and respond effectively to trends in violent extremism.

Under the policy, values of peace, tolerance and diversity will be promoted in society and social, electronic and print media will be used proactively to counter violent extremism. The policy also aims at protecting the downtrodden segments of society.

Speaking on the occasion, the interior minister reiterated the resolve of the government to eliminate terrorism and extremism as they have caused irreparable damage to the country.

“We need to create awareness among the people about extremist elements,” the interior minister said, adding that the National Counter Violent Extremism Policy could not be implemented as long as all stakeholders do not agree to it. Ideas to effectively curb violent extremism were discussed during the meeting.