Fida Hussnain Lahore
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified on Tuesday that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam had no political motives and aimed to eliminate terrorism in the country.
The Defence Minister announced the commencement of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam after the meeting.
However, he said that this operation was being misunderstood, and was being likened with Operation Zarb-e-Azb or Radd-ul-Fasaad, pointing out that the previous operations were different from this while the objectives were the same.
The defence minister was addressing a press conference at PML-N secretariat in Model Town, Lahore on Tuesday.
The reaction came after different political parties including the PTI, JUI-F and ANP opposed the operation.
Khawaja Asif said the past operations targeted terrorism, such as the APS incident in 2016, leading to the formulation of the National Action Plan, which received support from all political parties.
He said, “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is also a continuation of this plan.
The minister also noted the differences between past and current situations, highlighting the integration of FATA and the presence of state control over all areas today. He acknowledged night time terrorist activities in some regions but clarified that there is no resurgence of terrorists within their borders.
He stated that an apex committee under the National Action Plan was formed, supported by all four provincial chief ministers. He emphasized that this operation had no political agenda and urged media support.
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam would specifically target Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and is a national security effort.
Khawaja Asif expressed that where the operation is conducted, it requires a vote of confidence from the three parties, who are taking a stand to protect their votes.
The situation may worsen daily, and this worsening is being supported from outside the country. Some people want this country to become a no-go area for the world, and some elements do not want anyone to come here.
