Steering committees formed to enforce revised NAP 2021: minister

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has stated that, to counter terrorism and extremism across the country effectively, steering committees have been constituted at both federal and provincial levels to ensure robust implementation of the Revised National Action Plan (R-NAP) 2021.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting of the Provincial Socio-Political Steering/Reviewing Committee, constituted under the Revised National Action Plan (R-NAP 2021), on Thursday.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal, the Additional Chief Secretary Punjab and the concerned provincial secretaries were present. Punjab Communications Minister Sohaib Bharth also participated in the meeting via video link.

The meeting aimed to approve an effective coordination mechanism between the Apex Committee established at the federal level under the National Action Plan 2021 and the four steering/review committees notified at the provincial level in Punjab.

During the meeting, the finance minister said that these committees will continuously review progress on actions and initiatives under the R-NAP and formulate recommendations accordingly.He informed the participants that, in line with the recommendations of the apex committee, four steering/review committees have been established in Punjab, including the socio-political, counter terrorism, legal, and information committees. “The leadership of these committees has been entrusted to the respective provincial ministers to ensure ownership, accountability, and effective oversight,” he added.

He emphasised that Punjab is undertaking the highest number of initiatives under the Revised National Action Plan compared to other provinces. However, he noted that gaps in coordination between provincial and federal committees have resulted in inadequate reporting of these efforts. He stressed the need to consolidate all provincial-level actions, ensure continuous monitoring, and guarantee the timely implementation of decisions taken by the apex committee, while presenting recommendations wherever necessary.

During the meeting, it was proposed that each of the four provincial committees nominate a spokesperson. Under the leadership of the Additional Chief Secretary of Punjab, these spokespersons will keep the central committee informed about the progress, recommendations, and actions of their respective committees. This mechanism will ensure effective representation of Punjab at the federal level and facilitate the submission of a comprehensive report to the apex committee on the province’s implementation of the Revised National Action Plan. With the unanimous consent of all members, the formation of the central committee and the nomination of spokespersons were approved.

The Finance Minister stated that the Punjab government is fully committed to the effective implementation of the Revised National Action Plan through the promotion of peace and tolerance, strengthening the rule of law, expanding access to education and vocational training, and addressing poverty and unemployment. He added that channelling the energies of youth in a positive and constructive direction remains a key priority in the government’s efforts to eliminate extremism from society.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026