Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Faizabad Dharna Commission Report Recommends Legislation and Reforms for Intelligence Agencies and Civil Administration
Key recommendations emerge from the Faizabad Dharna Commission Report, calling for legislation to regulate intelligence agencies and addressing root causes of extremism.
ND
by News Desk
2024-04-16
Faizabad Dharna Commission Report Recommends Legislation and Reforms for Intelligence Agencies and Civil Administration

The Faizabad Dharna Commission, tasked with investigating the 2017 sit-in by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), has submitted its report to the federal government, outlining several recommendations aimed at addressing critical issues highlighted during the protest.

 

Among the key recommendations is the call for legislation and drafting of rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regulate the functioning of intelligence agencies. The report emphasized the need to avoid the involvement of the army or its affiliated agencies in civilian matters, stating that such involvement tarnishes the fair image of the institution. Instead, it suggested assigning public matters to the Intelligence Bureau and civil administration.

 

The three-member commission, led by retired police officer Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, also urged "zero tolerance" towards violent extremism and proposed a review of government policies to address the root causes of the menace.

 

Furthermore, the report highlighted the fallout from the Faizabad dharna, attributing it to the lack of conviction in leadership and government response, particularly by the Punjab government. It noted discrepancies in handling the issue, including disagreements between federal and provincial authorities regarding jurisdiction and response strategies.

 

Regarding the involvement of intelligence agencies, the report stated that no evidence was found linking any organization or state official with the TLP dharna. However, it underscored the need for a thorough review of approaches in dealing with religious militancy and violent extremism, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes rather than seeking quick fixes.

 

Additional recommendations included coordination among law enforcement agencies for surveillance of social media, strengthening anti-terror agencies through reforms in the criminal justice system, and reopening cases related to terrorism and crimes during the sit-in for investigation.

 

The report also suggested revisiting certain judicial rulings, such as the Mustafa Impex case, and granting Islamabad Capital Territory the status of a province with full administrative and financial authority.

 

As the government reviews the findings and recommendations of the Faizabad Dharna Commission, attention is drawn to the imperative of enacting meaningful reforms to address the underlying issues highlighted by the protest.
Tagged:

Pakistan

FaizabadDharna

IntelligenceReform

CounterExtremism
Share News: