Islamabad, April 16, 2024 – The Faizabad Dharna Commission, established to investigate the 2017 sit-in led by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), has submitted its report to the federal government, outlining recommendations for legislative reforms and a stringent approach towards violent extremism.
The report, headed by retired police officer Syed Akhtar Ali Shah and comprising former IGP Islamabad Tahir Alam Khan and Additional Interior Secretary Khushal Khan, underscores the need for legislative action to regulate the functioning of intelligence agencies. It suggests drafting rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure their operations align with legal frameworks.
Highlighting concerns over the involvement of the military or its affiliated agencies in civilian matters, the commission advocates for limiting their engagement to preserve the institution’s impartial image. It proposes assigning such responsibilities to civilian bodies like the Intelligence Bureau and civil administration.
Furthermore, the commission advises against deploying paramilitary forces like the Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers in urban areas, emphasizing the importance of civilian law enforcement in such contexts.
One of the central recommendations of the report is the adoption of a “zero tolerance” policy towards violent extremism. It urges a comprehensive review of government policies to address the root causes of extremism, emphasizing the ineffectiveness of past agreements with militant groups as temporary fixes.
The commission criticizes the government’s historical tendency for expedient solutions rather than tackling underlying issues, calling for a holistic approach to dealing with religious militancy.
In addition to legislative reforms, the report advocates for enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies, media regulatory bodies like Pemra, and the interior ministry to monitor and counter extremist narratives on social media.
Addressing shortcomings in implementing the National Action Plan (NAP), the commission calls for bolstering anti-terror agencies through reforms in the criminal justice system. It recommends reopening and investigating cases related to terrorism and other crimes during the 21-day sit-in.
The report also suggests revisiting the Mustafa Impex case ruling, which curtailed the executive authority of the Prime Minister, and granting Islamabad Capital Territory the status of a province with full administrative and financial autonomy. It proposes implementing the Police Order 2002 in the capital for improved governance and law enforcement.
The submission of the Faizabad Dharna Commission’s report marks a significant step towards addressing the complexities surrounding civil-military relations, counterterrorism efforts, and governance reforms in Pakistan. The government’s response to these recommendations will likely shape its approach to tackling extremism and ensuring the rule of law in the country.