New strategy on anvil to effectively tackle terrorism: Malik
ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP): Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that a new strategy was being evolved to tackle the issue of terrorism in a more effective manner. Under the new mechanism, which would be introduced within a few days, there would be a proper check on foreign scholarships offered to students here, visits of Pakistani artists to other countries and particulars of representatives of foreign companies and non-governmental organizations operating in Pakistan, he said while speaking on floor of the House.
The minister said an upgraded Passport form with additional columns would be launched covering each and every detail of the applicant, while Pakistani visa seekers would also have to submit their detailed particulars as being practiced in developed countries.
It would be mandatory for all foreign companies operating in Pakistan to submit an affidavit containing details of their employees and activities, he added.
He said a conspiracy was being hatched against Pakistan by fanning sectarianism and carrying out subversive activities, which was tantamount to undermining the law enforcement agencies’ success achieved in war against terrorism. “Some elements want to sabotage the success achieved against terrorism,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, responding to a point of order raised by Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Parliamentary leader in the National Assembly Dr Farooq Sattar, Rehman Malik said all-out efforts would be made for early release of four Pakistanis among 23 abducted by Somalian pirates.
Farooq Sattar had urged the government for making arrangements for early recovery of four Pakistanis, who were in captivity for last eight to nine months. Their captors had contacted their families for ransom of $ 400,000 to 500,000, he said.