Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies | PICSS

PICSS Hosts High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism

PICSS Hosts International Conference on Counter-Terrorism at Bahria University, Islamabad

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) is pleased to announce its collaboration with Bahria University, Islamabad, for a one-day international conference titled “Countering Terrorism in Pakistan: Progress and the Path Forward” on 25 September 2024. This significant event aims to bring together key stakeholders from the military, civilian law enforcement, academia, and international experts to discuss Pakistan’s counter-terrorism progress and outline strategies for the future.

Event Highlights:

The conference is structured into three sessions, focusing on different dimensions of counter-terrorism in Pakistan, followed by a concluding session with key recommendations.

Inaugural Session:

The conference will open with a Welcome Address by Major General Muhammad Saad Khattak (Retd), Chairman PICSS, and Opening Remarks by Vice Admiral (R) Asif Khaliq HI(M), Rector Bahria University. The Keynote Address will be delivered by Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning and Development.

Session 1: Counter-Terrorism Operations: Military, Paramilitary, Civilian Law Enforcement, and Legal Governance Frameworks

This session will delve into coordinated counter-terrorism efforts between Pakistan’s military, paramilitary forces, and civilian law enforcement agencies. Speakers will highlight the importance of strengthening legal frameworks and the rule of law to ensure long-term stability.

Key presentations include:

  • Military and Paramilitary Forces: Coordinated Counter-Terrorism Operations by Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani, HI(M) (Retd)
  • Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies: Urban Counter-Terrorism and Crime Prevention by Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, Former Federal Secretary/IGP
  • Judicial, Legal, and Governance Frameworks: Strengthening the Rule of Law by Dr. Muhammad Fayaz, Dean Bahria University Law School
  • International Best Practices in Joint Military and Paramilitary Counter-Terrorism Operations by Mr. Abdul Basit, Senior Associate Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Singapore

Session 2: Non-Kinetic Approaches to Counter-Terrorism: The National Action Plan and Beyond

This session will focus on de-radicalization, rehabilitation programs, and how media, education, and civil society play crucial roles in non-kinetic counter-terrorism strategies.

Key presentations include:

  • De-Radicalization and Rehabilitation Programs by Mr. Ihsan Ghani, Former National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA)
  • Countering Extremism Through Media, Education, and Civil Society by Maj. General Dr. Ghulam Qamar (R), Project Director, Directorate General of Religious Education
  • The Role of Community Engagement in Non-Kinetic Counter-Terrorism Strategies: Global Lessons by Dr. Farah Naz, University of Sydney and Macquarie University
  • Bilateral Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: A Case Study of Sri Lanka and Pakistan by General Daya Ratnayake (Retd), Former Army Chief of Sri Lanka

Session 3: Transnational Threats and Pakistan’s Regional and International Cooperation: Current Status and Future Opportunities

This session will cover the evolving transnational terrorism threats and Pakistan’s regional and global cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.

Key presentations include:

  • Transnational Terrorism and Evolving Threats in the Region by Prof Dr. Song Zhihui, Dean of Pakistan Study Center at Sichuan University, China
  • Pakistan’s Regional Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism by Major General Inam ul Haq (Retd), Former Director General Foreign Military Cooperation
  • International Cooperation: Pakistan’s Engagement with Global Counter-Terrorism Efforts by Dr. Maria Sultan, Chairperson, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) University
  • The National Action Plan: Achievements and Evolving Challenges by Dr. Dayyab Gillani, Director Counter Research, NACTA
  • Who has the Right to Violence? Distinction Between Resistance and Terrorism by Dr. Martin Kear, University of Sydney

Concluding Session:

The conference will conclude with Key Findings and Recommendations by Prof Dr. Adam Saud, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University. The Keynote Address will be delivered by Mr. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Defence Minister (TBC). The event will close with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Gul Dad, Director Research, PICSS.

PICSS remains committed to fostering dialogue and providing research-driven insights on counter-terrorism. This conference promises to be a crucial platform for sharing best practices and developing forward-looking strategies to counter terrorism in Pakistan and beyond.

For more details and registration information, visit www.facebook.com/picssisb

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