KARACHI: A ‘Sindh policy dialogue’ called for stronger coordination to counter terrorism and extremism.

The provincial policy dialogue was held here on Wednesday to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in Sindh, with participants calling for stronger legislation, parliamentary oversight and coordination among government institutions, law enforcement agencies and communities.

The dialogue was organised by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), with the support of the British High Commission and in collaboration with the Sindh Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (SCECVE) and the Sindh Home Department.

Parliamentarians, Home Department officials, representatives of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), law enforcement agencies, civil society, experts and other stakeholders attended the session.

Participants reviewed terrorism and violent extremism threats, existing mechanisms and institutional gaps. They stressed the need for effective implementation of laws, parliamentary oversight and improved coordination among relevant institutions.

Additional Inspector General of CTD Sindh Zulfiqar Larek said strengthening non-kinetic measures was essential to counter terrorism and extremism.

He said joint efforts by law enforcement agencies and other institutions had contributed to a significant decline in terrorist incidents in Sindh, while several potential incidents had been prevented through timely action.

However, he emphasised that sustained progress required greater participation by society and local communities.

Brigadier Inam-ul-Haq (retd), briefing participants on SCECVE’s strategy, said the centre was focused on preventing extremism, rehabilitating vulnerable individuals and facilitating their reintegration into society.

He said work was under way on a comprehensive national communication policy with the participation of the federal government and all provinces.

A five-year strategic plan for Sindh had also been developed, focusing on a province-specific counter-extremism policy, research, capacity building, community engagement, positive narratives, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Parliamentary leaders and members of the Sindh Assembly said the province already had several laws relating to counter-terrorism and related areas, but their effective implementation and oversight remained a major challenge.

They stressed that countering terrorism required more than security operations and should also address the social and ideological factors contributing to extremism, protect young people from extremist narratives and counter misinformation and negative propaganda.

Participants also called for stronger district-level peace committees to help identify and address local disputes and emerging extremist tendencies at an early stage.

At the conclusion of the dialogue, the participants agreed to enhance cooperation among parliament, government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society, academia, religious leadership and local communities.

They also called for stronger implementation of existing laws and parliamentary oversight, alongside greater emphasis on preventive measures, community engagement, rehabilitation and positive narratives to promote lasting peace and stability in Sindh.

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