LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Faisal Shahkar on Thursday directed to tighten the noose around extremist elements, saying monitoring of banned outfits should be strengthen along with their facilitators and financiers.
“Implementation of laws formulated under National Action Plan should be improved for effective eradication of terrorism and extremism from society.”
Punjab Inspector General of Police Faisal Shahkar issued the directives while presiding over an important meeting during a visit to Punjab CTD Headquarters here on Thursday.
The IG Police said that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had been equipped with modern technology and facilities, adding that it was the integral wing of Punjab Police which had played a very effective role in eradication of terrorism in the province.
The IGP directed that zero tolerance should be adopted for the violation of religious hate speeches and content, adding that anti-social elements involved in sectarianism should be brought to justice and punished.
He declared that the CTD will be provided with more resources to face the ever-changing challenges, adding that staff shortage will be addressed soon besides consideration will be given to fix the tenure for posting of officers in CTD.
The IG Police pointed that elimination of evil-doers, terrorist elements, their facilitators and financiers from the society is one of the primary tasks of the CTD. “The role and sacrifices of CTD in elimination terrorism from the province are commendable.”
On the occasion, Addl IG CTD Imran Mehmood briefed the IG Police on actions and activities of the CTD across the province.
The IGP while giving instructions to the officers directed to improve coordination with RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, Special Branch and other institutions concerned. He stressed upon undertaking search, sweep, combing and Intelligence based operations against criminals.
During the meeting, the participants were informed that the Punjab CTD is keeping a close watch on those who spread cyber-terrorism, sectarianism and religious hatred through social media. “Dozens of sites have been reported to PTA and so far more than 74,000 links and sites have been blocked.” The IG Police also visited various sections of CTD Headquarters and reviewed working of the staff. He promised that all-out resources would be provided to CTD for achieving its targets.