National intel fusion, threat assessment centres to be set up

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired the fifth meeting of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) board of governors on Monday and approved establishment of the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NIFTAC).

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, senators, provincial home secretaries, and inspectors general of police from across Pakistan. Nacta National Coordinator Dr Khalid Chauhan gave a comprehensive briefing to the board, outlining the strategic importance of NIFTAC.

Nacta was established to serve as the national focal point for counter-terrorism, coordinating efforts amongvarious agencies and providing strategic guidance, the interior ministry sources said, adding that the National Action Plan was formulated in the aftermath of the 2014 Peshawar Army Public School attack, aiming to comprehensively address terrorism.

The newly approved NIFTAC is designed to enhance intelligence sharing and threat assessment, facilitating a more coordinated and effective response to terrorism.

Minister Naqvi said NIFTAC was created after consultations with all stake-holders, to completely eliminate terrorism.

The meeting decided that Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centres (PIFTACs) would be created in each province. Mohsin Naqvi said NIFTAC was a crucial step towards realising Nacta’s objectives and ensuring full implementation of the National Action Plan. Talal Chaudhry highlighted NIFTAC’s role in strengthening Nacta’s capacity. All recommendations presented by Nacta National Coordinator Dr Khalid were approved.