Since the dawn of the 21st Century, terrorism has emerged as one of the gravest threats to the civilized world. Pakistan as a frontline state for the global pushback against this menacing threat has sadly faced its very worst. For over two decades, our nation has faced a heinous assault on our values, customs, and way of life. However, the force of this assault and the nefarious terrorist designs have only managed to achieve the opposite effect as they have strengthened the national resolve, spirit and determination of the Pakistani people. The National Counter Terrorism Authority of Pakistan (NACTA) embodies this very collective resolve and determination to resist and dismantle terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
NACTA endeavors to synergize all counter terrorism and preventing violent extremism efforts across government agencies, civil societies, local communities and international partners. As acting National Coordinator of NACTA, it is profoundly humbling to lead an organization tasked with such a crucial undertaking. While we have made substantial gains in both kinetic and non-kinetic domains over the years, the multifaceted nature of terrorism coupled with the scale of threat it poses, demands a consistent, enduring and long-term engagement.
As per its mandate, NACTA is actively making new policies and strategies that take account of the evolving nature of terrorism, gross human right violations, the shifting geo-political sensitivities and most importantly, the indigenous ground realities. The National Prevention of Violent Extremism 2024 (NPVEP) is one such policy.
Approved by the government in December 2024, the NPVEP represents a significant milestone in systematically and proactively addressing the root causes and drivers of violent extremism and terrorism in Pakistan. As mandated by the policy document, NACTA will implement, monitor and review NPVEP over the course of next several years.
It is my firm belief that by advancing NACTA’s mandate and through working together-government departments, civil societies, international partners, and citizens of Pakistan- we can achieve the goals set out in the National Action Plan and build a secure, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.
Dr. Khalid Chauhan, PhD, UNM, PPM
Acting National Coordinator, NACTA