Pakistan government Operation Azm-i-Istehkam: Govt approves reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign

Pakistan to Initiate Major Operation Against Terrorism, Aims for Eradication

Pakistan has declared the initiation of a significant new operation against terrorism, named Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, with a firm commitment to eradicate militancy across the nation. This strategic move was decided upon during the apex committee meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP), a comprehensive 20-point strategy formulated in 2014 following the tragic Peshawar school attack. The strategy aims to eliminate militant activities and extremism effectively.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that Operation Azm-i-Istehkam aims to integrate and synergize various efforts to combat extremism and terrorism decisively. This initiative has garnered consensus among all stakeholders, including representatives from the four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir regions.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saw attendance from key figures such as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and other senior officials from civilian, military, and law enforcement backgrounds. They conducted a thorough review of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and assessed the internal security situation of the country.

The forum emphasized that combating extremism and terrorism is crucial for Pakistan’s survival and prosperity. It was resolved that no challenges to the state’s authority would be tolerated. The meeting also highlighted the need for a reinvigorated counter-terrorism strategy based on national consensus and systemic synergy.

Efforts in the politico-diplomatic domain will be intensified to limit operational spaces for terrorists through regional cooperation. The armed forces’ kinetic efforts will be supported fully by law enforcement agencies, backed by effective legislation to address legal gaps in prosecuting terrorism-related cases.

Socioeconomic measures will also be implemented to address public concerns and discourage extremist ideologies. Additionally, an effort to promote a unified national narrative supporting the campaign will be made through leveraging information spaces.

Security measures for Chinese nationals in Pakistan were also reviewed during the meeting. Following the prime minister’s approval, new standard operating procedures have been issued to enhance security provisions for Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

This decision comes at a time when Pakistan faces renewed threats from Tehreek-i-Taliban militants reportedly based in Afghanistan. The government’s commitment to this new operation underscores its determination to ensure national security and peace.