Interior Minister urges institutions to play role in stemming terrorism

KARACHI: Expressing concerns over educated youth falling prey to extremist ideologies, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday urged media, institutions and parents to play their due role in stemming the growth of terrorism in society.

Addressing media persons after visiting the headquarters of the Pakistan Coast Guards, the federal minister said that extremist groups have been using social media to lure the youth into unlawful activities.

“The media should promote tolerance in the society to curb such activities,” he said.

The federal minister said that he has issued directives to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to take concrete measures to ensure students do not fall prey to ideologies promoting extremism.

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“Terrorists after getting failed to implement their malicious designs, [who are] now targeting the youth through social media,” he added.

On the recent spate of terror incidents in Karachi, Iqbal said the members of Ansarul Shariah – who are at large – would soon be apprehended.

Soliciting support from federal and provincial government for countering terrorism, he claimed that National Action Plan (NAP) is being implemented with full vigour and commitment.

Lauding the efforts of the law enforcement agencies (LEAs), Iqbal said that the government is taking all steps to tackle security challenges.