2,410 terrorists killed in 5,143 operations this year, Naqvi tells National Assembly

ISLAMABAD: Security forces and law enforcement agencies carried out 5,143 operations against terrorists across the country from 1 January to 29 September this year. In these actions, 2,410 terrorists were killed, 806 were injured and 3,518 were arrested.

In a written reply submitted to the National Assembly, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said counter-terrorism operations were continuing under the National Action Plan. However, he said, sufficient attention had not been paid to preventing online extremist content.

Identity cards of Afghan nationals

According to the Ministry of Interior, over 325,000 Pakistani identity cards held by Afghan nationals were cancelled in five years. The Pakistani identity cards of 126,341 Afghan nationals were cancelled. The legal status of these cards was doubtful.

Online threats and NACTA

The National Assembly was told that there is no structured or coordinated system in the federation and the provinces to deal with online threats. Agencies and open-source intelligence cells face a shortage of trained analysts. Security and intelligence agencies also lack the capacity for round-the-clock monitoring.

According to the Ministry of Interior, NACTA had sought more than Rs2.98 billion in funds for 2026-27. However, it has been given only Rs1.33 billion for this year. NACTA is a statutory body but has no powers of arrest or law enforcement. It will now be made the National Counter Terrorism Division.