Pakistan to set up consolidated databank on terrorists

Pakistan's civilian and military law enforcement agencies engaged in counter-terrorism efforts have decided to create a consolidated advanced databank on terrorists under a central authority.

The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of civilian and military law enforcement agencies, which agreed to rope in the National Database and Registration Authority to create and maintain the databank.

It emerged at the meeting that government departments at the national and provincial levels were maintaining data on terrorists for their own use and the information was fragmented in the absence of a central authority, the Dawn newspaper quoted its sources as saying.

It becomes 'very difficult' to check the identity of a suicide bomber or terrorist on a speedy basis irrespective of whether he or she is a Pakistani or a foreigner, sources said.

The meeting unanimously approved a proposal for managing consolidated data on terrorists on modern lines under a central authority, the report said.

The function may be performed by the National Counter-Terrorism Authority. Under the plan, NADRA will have separate databanks on Pakistanis and foreigners suspected or involved in terrorist activities.

The meeting also recommended the reactivation of National Counter Terrorism Authority on an urgent basis with adequate funding to implement its strategy.

The NACTA Ordinance introduced in 2009 is yet to be tabled in parliament, pending approval by the cabinet.