Ministry of Interior (MOI) has synergized internal security and law enforcement for ensuring implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) in letter and spirit through its key wings. The last two and half years have been both challenging and inspiring in terms of achievements and effectiveness, a document of the ministry highlighting efforts and achievements revealed on Tuesday.
Being an integral part of operation Zarb-e-Azb, the interior ministry has been at forefront to counter terrorism in recent years during which it has focused on necessary operational and strategic aspects of NAP as well as Karachi operation.
Since taking charge, incumbent Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan has been taking keen interest in maintenance of law and order, improving border security, policing, immigration control, visas system, issuance of identification documents to citizens including passport and Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), anti-smuggling and human smuggling.
The Ministry has introduced numerous measures in its different departments with an objective to facilitate the citizens. As per directions of Ch. Nisar, attempts have brought about visible improvement in mechanisms of governmental response. The Ministry continues with its dynamic focus to achieve wide-ranging objectives inclusive of protection of citizens and foreigners, public welfare and internal security.
In the latter half of 2014, the Ministry endured extraordinary pressure in challenging circumstances in the face of a prolonged stand-off between Federal government and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT). The dharna, that laid siege over Islamabad Capital Territory was indeed a formidable internal security hazard, threatening lives of citizens of Islamabad, diplomatic community, the protesters themselves and officers deployed on security.
Crowds comprising thousands were managed for four months by ICT administration and police under direct supervision of the Ministry. The Ministry also focused on reinforcement of legislative and policy framework. Critical legislation such as POPA 2014 and Amendments to Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, the development of first ever National Internal Security Policy and NAP are all included in this effort.
Both human resource and complex procedures are now in focus to remove cumbersome bureaucratic processes and human discretion. Framing of Exit Control List (ECL) Policy and removing names of thousands of individuals languishing on these formidable lists without reason or logic directly led to public welfare and relief.
Law Wing of the Ministry has been re-structured and strengthened to cope with ever increasing court cases. More than 300 mercy petitions were processed and death sentence execution was also reviewed. Enhancing organizational performance, capacity and accountability within the Ministry and its attached departments is a key objective as 2,666 inquiries were initiated, 56 officers and officials were surrendered and 49 cases were registered against officers and officials of Ministry of Interior and attached departments.
The introduction of Information Technology (IT) and one window operations, coupled with monitoring, is directly assisting the public. The Ministry has finalized the process of verification of Arms Licenses from 1973 till date and carried out detection of 67 fake NOC for armoured vehicles and began proceedings against accused.
The National Alien Registration Authority was merged with NADRA and 51,365 visa applications were processed. The Ministry signed visa abolition agreements with Thailand, Kuwait and Bahrain. Protection of Pakistan Act 2014 placed on the schedule of FIA Act, 1975. FIA Immigration laws have been extended to Torkham and an Agreement on Establishment of Higher Border Commission between Pakistan and Iran was signed.
Improving service delivery and public facilitation is a constant endeavour as National Database ad Registration Authority (NADRA) and Passport and Immigration Department have taken a lead by providing essential services and introduction of simple and economical measures in dispensation of fundamental identification and travel documents. One window operation at Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)
Administration, timely response of ICT Police and emergency help lines received a positive response. With regard to achievements, welfare initiatives and future plans of all departments, the document said NAP is being implemented as its affective implementation has registered significant improvement in overall law and order and internal security in the country including visible downward trend in terrorist incidents, thus establishing writ of the government. Karachi operation initiated for restoring peace has reduced target killing by 53%, murder by 50%, robberies by 0 % and terrorism by 80 % while Safe City project, comprising almost 2000 cameras and dully equipped command and control system in ICT is near its completion.
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