Saturday 29 / June / 2024
Islamabad: In a significant move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a renewed national counter-terrorism campaign. While the operation is promoted as a decisive step to eradicate extremism and terrorism, concerns have been raised about its broader implications, particularly its impact on Pakistan’s sovereignty and stability.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has staunchly opposed Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, asserting that any military intervention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be vehemently resisted, according to a report by ARY News.
During a high-level meeting held in Islamabad, PTI leaders including Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, and Asad Qaiser gathered to deliberate on the implications of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The meeting culminated in a unified stance against the proposed operation, as conveyed by PTI leader Iqbal Afridi. Afridi emphasized that the party's unanimous decision is to refer the matter to a Jirga, a traditional assembly of elders, for a final determination on whether the operation should proceed, as reported by ARY News.
Ali Amin Gandapur provided an overview of past anti-terrorism efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, further solidifying PTI's stance against the operation. The party members reiterated their opposition, affirming that they would adamantly oppose any such military action within the province.
The dissent against Operation Azm-e-Istehkam was echoed by other political entities as well. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), denounced the initiative as destabilising and potentially weakening Pakistan.
In a press conference, Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticised the operation, renaming it "Adm-e-Istehkam," indicating his belief that it could exacerbate Pakistan's vulnerabilities rather than strengthen its security.
Similarly, Asfandyar Wali Khan, leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), voiced reservations about the military operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khan, whose party has historically borne significant sacrifices in combating terrorism, expressed concerns over the operation's implications.
He emphasised the necessity of a comprehensive national action plan before any military engagement is undertaken.
The PTI's decision to oppose Operation Azm-e-Istehkam coincided with the convening of the Central Apex Committee of National Action Plan, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The committee endorsed a revitalized national counterterrorism strategy through the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, underscoring a collective resolve among stakeholders, including provinces and territories like Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to the Prime Minister's endorsement, PTI remained steadfast in its position against the operation, reflecting broader concerns within political circles regarding the operational efficacy and strategic implications of such military campaigns.
The PTI's decision 'came after the meeting of the Central Apex Committee of National Action Plan, which was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
"The prime minister approved a reinvigorated and re-energised national counterterrorism campaign through the launching of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, with the consensus of all stakeholders including the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, symbolising the national resolve to eradicate extremism and terrorism from the country," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement issued after the meeting, ARY News reported.
China's reported hesitation to invest in new projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stems largely from concerns about the security of its citizens and assets in Pakistan.
This hesitation appears to have prompted the Pakistani government to take action, as Islamabad recently approved a revitalised national counter-terrorism campaign known as 'Operation Azm-e-Istehkam'.
According to a recent editorial in Dawn, the move underscores Pakistan's recognition of the importance of addressing China's security concerns, especially at a time when attracting foreign investment is critical for the country's economic development.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that the main focus of operations under 'Azm-e-Istehkam' will be in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan.
He mentioned that a comprehensive plan detailing the framework for these operations will be announced in the coming days. Notably, Chinese citizens, workers, or projects have been targeted by violence or security threats within Pakistani territory.
