OPERATION Azm-i-Istehkam is more than just an operation; it embodies a strategy and vision. It reaffirms our commitment to eradicate terrorists and eliminate their supporters. During the recent Corps Commanders’ Conference, the operation was declared a counter-terrorism initiative, underscoring our determination and unity in thwarting the enemy’s malicious objectives. There is no doubt that the country is currently facing a critical period. On one side, there is economic instability, and on the other, political chaos and terrorism. In such circumstances, Pakistan’s forces are fulfilling their duty commendably. Operation Azm-i-Istehkam follows in the footsteps of Zarb-e-Azb, Radal-Fasaad, Khyber One, Khyber Two, Operation Rah-e-Rast, Operation Rah-e-Najat and other operations. It aims to invigorate and inspire renewed commitment to the National Action Plan. The objective of this steadfast commitment is to intensify intelligence-led military operations aimed at eliminating terrorists and their facilitators from the country. In 2014, the enemy attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar. That attack targeted not just the school but the future of the nation, spilling the blood of innocent nation-builders and martyring over 140 people, almost all children.
A joint National Action Plan was formed to take account of their blood from the enemy, under which the operation of Zarb-e-Azb was accelerated. This operation was done with the consensus of the military leadership of that time. With this operation, the back of the terrorists was broken and law and order was established in the country. But now when the country’s political and military leadership decided to expand Operation Zarb-i-Azb and Operation Rud al-Fasaad in the meeting of the National Apex Committee, the opposition parties expressed reservations. Maulana Fazl-ur -Rahman even said that the operation of stability will prove to be an operation of instability. PTI also expressed reservations regarding this operation. The division seen in the political parties over the decision of the operation against the terrorists is like giving the terrorists permission to roam freely in the country. God willing, the leadership of all political parties should fulfill their political responsibilities and not expose the country’s law and order and integrity to false ego and personal interests. If we are safe in our homes today, it is because of the sacrifices of the Pak Army. Why do you forget that the veterans of the Pak Army have restrained these terrorists by taking bullets on their chests and the peace of the country will be more stable with this Operation.
Unfortunately, political chaos and the pursuit of personal interests are also impacting our security institutions. Our leaders have failed to implement 17 out of the 22 points of the National Action Plan, which fall under the government’s responsibility. Yet, there is little public discourse regarding the ongoing war against terrorism and its toll. According to data released in May of this year, Pakistani forces have conducted approximately 13,000 intelligence-based operations against terrorists. This operation is another targeted effort crucial for the country’s integrity. It differs from previous counter-terrorism endeavors. In earlier operations, areas challenging the state’s authority and becoming no-go zones due to terrorism were purged of terrorists. To completely eradicate terrorists from these regions, residents had to be relocated. Today, however, there are no such no-go areas in the country, as terrorist organizations were decisively defeated in previous operations. Therefore, this operation does not necessitate the displacement of populations.
It is a bitter truth that by sacrificing the lives of more than 80,000 citizens of the country including more than 10,000 soldiers and officers in America’s so-called war on terrorism and causing billions of dollars in damage to our economy, we are still hurting by America. It has treated us with de facto hostility by demanding “Do More”. On the contrary, our arch-enemy India is being supported to disrupt the Pak-China friendship and sabotage the CPEC. The resolution passed in the US Congress is also a sinister attempt to make Pakistan’s political election system suspicious.
The limit is that the Taliban government today seems to be practically a puppet of India and supports its conspiracies against the security of Pakistan. The hostile behavior of the Taliban and the non-implementation of the Doha Agreement, the Afghan-Taliban nexus of other terrorist organizations, including the banned TTP, has put the peace of the region at stake, which is clearly evidenced by the terror attacks by secret agencies in Baluchistan. Nasrullah aka Maulvi Mansoor and Idris aka Irshad, commanders of the Defense Council of the banned organization TTP, who planned to build bases for terrorism, have been arrested.
Maulvi Mansoor made important revelations during the investigation about the nexus of TTP with the Afghan Taliban, the notorious Indian intelligence agency RAW and the outlawed BLA. The arrested terrorist gave a video confessional statement saying, “My name is Nasrullah, alias Maulvi Mansoor.” In January 2024, TTP leaders Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud and Mufti Muzahim called me to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and instructed me to go to Baluchistan province in Pakistan for a specific purpose. We were facilitated to reach BLA through Spinboldak for this mission. According to Nasrullah, all TTP commanders are openly moving around in Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban government not only supports TTP but also provides them with full facilities. The arrest of outlawed TTP commander Nasrullah and his confessional video statement corroborates the revelation made by former CIA intelligence analyst Sara Adams on the Shawn Ryan Show. Adams stated that India has paid one million dollars for targeted killings in Pakistan and for eliminating Khalistan supporters in Occupied Kashmir.
The fact is that India is supporting Taliban terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to achieve their nefarious goals through terrorism. In the context of this serious situation, for the sake of the country’s survival and security, it is the need of the hour for all stakeholders, including the national, political and religious leadership, to stand with Pakistan’s forces for the defence of the homeland and the complete elimination of the scourge of terrorism.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
