Daily Times

Sir: It is time we accepted the hard reality that our existing security strategy and methodology is insufficient to efficiently contain and tackle terrorism. If any proof is needed, the frequent attacks on security installations and civilian institutions should be enough. Success in the war against terrorism depends on plugging loopholes in our security strategy and maintaining an efficient and accessible computerised database of every individual living in Pakistan. Institutionalised corruption and the lack of political will must be overcome to win this war of survival for Pakistan.

What our country needs is a trained, dedicated force, which is specialised in forensics and information technology. This force should have the wherewithal to confront the highly trained and committed enemy from within. Pakistan has a disciplined and professional army, trained to fight a conventional enemy. But it lacks a trained police force to handle insurgents. It is therefore necessary that NACTA must have a dedicated and independent skilled workforce.

Malik Tariq Ali

Lahore