National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) – Pakistan

March 14, 2013

The National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) is the primary counter-terrorism authority in Pakistan. It was established through an Act of Parliament in 2013 to act as the coordinating body for all counter-terrorism efforts in the country.

Purpose

NACTA aims to develop a holistic counter-terrorism strategy for Pakistan with input from security and law-enforcement agencies. It works to deradicalize extremist elements and prevent radicalization in Pakistani society. The body also makes policy recommendations to the government on counter-terror priorities and actions.

Structure

NACTA has a multi-department composition. Its main board comprises senior civil and military leadership. Members include the National Security Advisor, heads of intelligence agencies like ISI and IB, senior police and army officials among others. It has an operational arm, the Counter-Terrorism Center (NACTA-CTC), which coordinates tactical counter-terrorism actions on ground and intelligence.

Functions of NACTA

Unify and orchestrate national counter-terrorism and counter-extremism measures by several existing organizations.
Conduct scientific studies on extremism and terrorism.
Coordinate with law enforcement agencies for taking action against elements involved in terrorism and extremism and play a key role in preparing national counter- terrorism and extremism strategies.
Receive information and intelligence and disseminate the data to relevant stakeholders.

Strategy Development

A key task of NACTA is to develop Pakistan’s National Internal Security Policy (NISP) through consultations between government, security agencies and provincial authorities. The NISP outlines a comprehensive framework of action plans, policy initiatives and allocation of resources to counter extremism and terrorism in the country.

Initiatives

NACTA has spearheaded communication outreach initiatives to build social cohesion and tolerance. It launched the Paigham-e-Pakistan counter-narrative drive in 2018 using Islamic teachings to delink religion from acts of terror. NACTA also engages in youth deradicalization programs and promotes community participation in counter-terrorism. Overall NACTA serves as the nucleus for synchronizing Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy involving multiple stakeholders. Its effective functioning is vital for national security.

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