Federal government collaborates with PTA to halt online terrorist propaganda and enhance coordination between NACTA and provincial authorities

The federal government of Pakistan has taken a decisive step in its ongoing battle against terrorism by moving to block the social media accounts of terrorist groups. This new initiative, which involves the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), aims to curtail the spread of extremist propaganda and prevent terrorist organisations from exploiting social media platforms to further their agendas.

The announcement came during a meeting of the National Action Plan Coordination Committee, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The meeting underscored the importance of effective coordination between the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) and provincial authorities to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism measures. Naqvi emphasised the urgency of cutting off the online presence of proscribed organisations and directed the PTA and other relevant bodies to devise a comprehensive strategy to ensure the successful implementation of this plan.

“Provinces must adopt comprehensive strategies to prevent the misuse of unauthorised SIM cards,” Naqvi remarked, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach in tackling the issue. In line with this, the minister also announced the establishment of a National Fusion Centre, which will facilitate seamless coordination between various agencies involved in counter-terrorism efforts. This centre is set to play a crucial role in improving intelligence-sharing and operational efficiency across the country.

The meeting also revealed that intelligence-based operations conducted throughout the year had yielded significant results. By October 2024, nearly 7,984 operations had been carried out, resulting in the elimination of 206 terrorists. Despite these successes, Naqvi condemned the recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing them as “deeply tragic and condemnable.” He vowed to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies and provide provincial police forces with modern technology to bolster their counter-terrorism capabilities.

In a further effort to enhance national security, Naqvi tasked provincial authorities and relevant agencies with submitting detailed reports on their resource needs within the next seven days. He reaffirmed the critical role of Nacta in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, stating that reforms were underway to restore and strengthen the authority’s leadership in this area.

In response to recent incidents of terrorism and the spread of malicious propaganda targeting the state and its security forces, the government has also established a 10-member Joint Task Force (JTF). This task force, formed with the approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will be responsible for identifying and investigating the individuals, groups, and organisations behind the dissemination of fake news and disinformation aimed at discrediting the state.

The formation of the JTF marks a critical step in Pakistan’s efforts to combat not only physical threats from terrorist groups but also the digital warfare being waged against the country. As terrorist organisations increasingly turn to social media to spread their messages and recruit new members, blocking these platforms becomes an essential part of the government’s broader strategy to safeguard national security.

The federal government’s actions reflect its ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. With enhanced coordination, stricter control over digital spaces, and a renewed focus on intelligence-sharing, Pakistan is seeking to strengthen its defences against both conventional and digital threats.