The decision was taken at a meeting of the Federal Steering/Review Committee on Counter Terrorism and “Harden the State,” chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
According to sources, the provinces have been directed to intensify efforts to complete capacity-building projects of Counter Terrorism Departments (CTDs), with the Ministry of Interior pledging all possible assistance. Deployment of CTD personnel in terrorism-hit areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan is to be increased.
The committee also stressed the need to ensure foolproof security for CPEC, non-CPEC, and private projects employing foreign nationals, in line with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Interior.
The meeting noted the continuation of extensive intelligence-based operations (IBOs) against Fitna-al-Khwarij and terrorist groups in Balochistan and their support networks, as terrorism incidents are showing an increasing trend, particularly in KP and Balochistan. Both provincial governments were directed to take significant measures to counter terrorism.
Sources said the committee observed that qualitative IBOs were required from CTDs in KP and Balochistan to dismantle terrorist networks. It was also decided to engage ulema and local communities to build a strong counter-terrorism narrative aimed at denying support and shelter to terrorists.
The committee emphasized the need for a strict regulatory mechanism to curb smuggling and the black economy. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the AML/CFT Authority were directed to take strict action against hawala/hundi operators.
Enhanced action against narcotics trade was also deemed necessary, while regulatory oversight was recommended to mainstream weapon manufacturing and prevent illegal production and supply.
All Safe City projects were directed to be completed within stipulated timelines, with special emphasis on expediting projects in GB, AJK, and Gwadar.
The Steering/Review Committee further decided that anti-encroachment drives should be intensified in KP, Sindh, Balochistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
It was also decided to remap illegal foreigners at both provincial and federal levels, while issues related to fake CNICs issued to Afghan nationals should be immediately taken up with NADRA for cancellation.
The repatriation process is to be intensified by provincial governments, and a comprehensive mechanism is to be established to prevent illegal re-entry of previously repatriated Afghan nationals. NADRA was directed to share data of all re-entered Afghan nationals with the Ministry of Interior and relevant law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Afghan camps in KP were ordered to be evacuated immediately, and NGOs facilitating such camps were directed to be stopped or banned.
Third-country settlement of Afghan nationals was to be carried out strictly in line with the prevailing policy under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme (IFRP).
The committee also directed provincial governments to take immediate action against beggars at the local level and ensure their social integration through skills development programmes and initiatives.
Governments of GB and AJK were directed to enhance their capacity in line with other provinces and integrate their systems with NADRA. The KP government was instructed to fast-track the integration process, while Punjab and Balochistan were directed to immediately resolve data-sharing issues with NADRA.
Mandatory standardisation of core data fields, data validation, and real-time CNIC verification were declared essential across all provinces, with instructions to resolve all related issues on a priority basis.
The committee also decided to expedite the digitisation of fuel pumps and crack down on illegal pumps. It was noted that under the Petroleum Amendments Act 2025, district administrations are authorised to take action against the sale of illegal or smuggled fuel; however, provinces and relevant departments have failed to submit progress reports.
A zero-tolerance policy against illegal fuel pumps will continue, and provinces were directed to share regular reports on enforcement actions.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) was instructed to ensure completion of ongoing projects within approved timelines and submit monthly progress reports.
The committee also decided that the District Coordination Committees forum should be effectively utilised for the meaningful implementation of “Harden the State” and counter-terrorism action points.
Wrapping up the meeting, the chairperson reiterated that any Afghan national wishing to stay in Pakistan must obtain a valid visa and comply with all legal requirements.
Approximately two million Afghan nationals have been repatriated so far; however, a significant population—estimated at over two million—still remains in Pakistan and needs to be repatriated by federal and provincial governments.
It was decided that a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal Afghan nationals would be maintained by all concerned authorities.