ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has called for a stronger national effort to counter terrorism by tackling extremist narratives, misinformation, and disinformation alongside security operations.

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop organised by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) in Islamabad on Tuesday, Tarar said the fight against terrorism was not limited to military action, as the “perception and narrative war” often began before an actual conflict.

He said Pakistan had made significant progress against terrorism by 2017 after the implementation of the National Action Plan, with federal and provincial governments, security forces, and other institutions working together. However, he argued that a later policy reversal undermined years of counter-terrorism efforts.

Tarar stressed the need for continuity in national policies and urged political parties to reach consensus on issues of national importance. He also called for strengthening the legal framework of the National Action Plan to address emerging security challenges.

The minister said terrorist groups had increasingly shifted towards “soft targets” after facing setbacks against security forces. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to counter online extremism through a Digital Communication Department using artificial intelligence-based monitoring and speech-to-text technology.

Tarar further said Pakistan needed to strengthen its international image by presenting its experience in fighting terrorism and promoting its culture, tourism, and achievements through effective communication.