DCCs formed for effective implementation of revised NAP

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has constituted District Coordination Committees (DCCs) throughout the province. This initiative comes in direct response to the directives of Central Apex Committee following their meeting on November 19, 2024, under the chairmanship of the prime minister of Pakistan.

According to the notification obtained by ‘The News’, the DCCs are tasked with ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of the Revised National Action Plan (R-NAP), aimed at countering terrorism, extremism and other illegal activities at the local level. For the first time in Punjab and as a unique feature of the DCCs’ work will be the establishment of District Narrative Nerve Centers (DNNCs).

These centers will play a crucial role in managing and countering disinformation and hostile narratives at the local level. The DNNCs will work to align local narratives with government policies, ensuring that the public receives accurate information while countering any emerging hostile or extremist narratives.

The newly formed DCCs will operate under the leadership of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and include the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) of Lahore, along with the City Police Officers (CPOs), District Police Officers (DPOs) and relevant representatives from key local formations.

Also included are heads of various line departments along with senior officers from intelligence and law enforcement agencies, such as the Special Branch, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Military Intelligence (MI), ensuring a robust security framework. All members of the committees are required to be at least BS-18 officers, emphasizing the high level of oversight and expertise involved in this initiative.

The DCCs have been entrusted with a wide-ranging mandate aimed at improving security and maintaining law and order. Their duties span multiple critical areas. The DCCs will ensure the swift and effective implementation of national security policies formulated under the R-NAP.

This includes policies related to the prevention of extremism, terrorism and other unlawful activities. The committees are tasked with coordinating efforts between local law enforcement agencies to enhance the security framework, conducting regular threat assessments and updating security measures accordingly. Another key responsibility of the DCCs will be to ensure that local laws and regulations, including those under R-NAP, are enforced properly within their respective districts. This involves close monitoring of local authorities and coordination between various departments to ensure full compliance with legal frameworks related to security and governance.

The DCCs will serve as the primary channel for implementing decisions made by the higher authorities, including the federal and provincial apex committees. They are tasked with ensuring that all directives are communicated to local authorities and effectively executed on the ground. Progress will be regularly reported back to provincial and federal agencies for oversight.

A major aspect of the DCCs’ work will involve enforcing laws against smuggling, narcotics, and other illegal activities that disrupt public safety. Specific actions include raids against smuggling rings, curbing drug trafficking and tackling power theft.

The committees will work closely with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and other agencies to disrupt illicit trade networks. Furthermore, they will focus on eliminating illegal petrol stations and unauthorized warehouses dealing with non-customs paid (NCP) goods and vehicles.

The DCCs will also work to address illegal settlements, particularly in suburban areas around major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan. They will identify land encroachments, unauthorized, housing societies, and any illegal construction, taking appropriate action to prevent unregulated urban expansion.

One of the long-term goals of the DCCs is the establishment of Safe Cities in major urban centers. This initiative will involve the installation of advanced surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and monitoring stations, to ensure real-time surveillance. The DCCs will work to improve law enforcement response times and enhance public safety through smarter policing mechanisms.

As part of the R-NAP’s education reforms, the DCCs will oversee the registration of religious seminaries (Madaris) in their districts. They will ensure that all seminaries are compliant with national educational standards and are not involved in activities that promote extremism or violence.

Additionally, the committees will monitor mosque activities to ensure they align with national security objectives. The DCCs will hold monthly coordination meetings to assess the progress of ongoing initiatives and discuss emerging challenges. These meetings will involve collaboration among law enforcement agencies, intelligence services and other relevant departments, ensuring transparency and consistent progress toward the goals set by the National Action Plan.

In addition to their local duties, the DCCs will maintain close coordination with provincial law enforcement agencies. This will ensure consistency in the implementation of security measures and the sharing of intelligence between the district and provincial levels. The committees will serve as key players in creating a unified approach to security across Punjab.

With the formation of these DCCs, the Punjab government aims to bolster the security infrastructure at the grassroot level and ensure that national security policies are effectively implemented. By involving multiple stakeholders, from district officials to law enforcement agencies and intelligence services, the DCCs will play a central role in Pakistan’s broader effort to combat extremism and organized crime.

This initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that the Revised National Action Plan remains a dynamic and responsive framework for countering security threats across Pakistan, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a safe and secure future for all citizens.