Pak govt yet to formulate consolidated databank on terrorists

Despite repeated claims by Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik that all possible counter terrorism measures are being taken by authorities, the government is yet to formulate a consolidated databank on terrorists.

Despite repeated claims by Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik that all possible counter terrorism measures are being taken by authorities, the government is yet to formulate a consolidated databank on terrorists.

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The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of civilian and military law-enforcement agencies, especially those working on terrorism, and they agreed to rope in the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to create and maintain such a databank on a fast-track basis.

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

Under the plan, Nadra will have separate databanks on Pakistanis and foreigners suspected or found involved in terrorist activities.

The function may be performed by a proposed national counter-terrorism authority (Nacta). The Nacta Ordinance, introduced in 2009, is yet to be tabled in parliament, pending approval of the cabinet.

The practice is common all over the world where one authority manages such information, making it easier for investigators who here have to reach out to many agencies to check identities of terrorists.