The federal government has approved a reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign, Operation Azm-i-Istehkam. The launch, approved with the consensus of all stakeholders — including provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir — during a meeting of the Central Apex Committee on National Action Plan (NAP) chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terror, symbolising its unwavering determination to eradicating menace of terrorism.
Operation Azm-i-Istehkam apparently marks a significant departure from previous counter-terrorism campaigns by emphasising a multi-faceted and inclusive approach. Unlike earlier operations that primarily depended on military might, this operation aims to mobilise all elements of national power. In his address to the committee, PM Shehbaz Sharif also stressed that combating terrorism is not solely the job of one institution but requires a whole-of-government approach, which we believe will ensure that terrorists find no refuge in any corner of the country by creating a seamless and impenetrable barrier. Reportedly, the renewed kinetic efforts of armed forces will be augmented by full support from all law enforcement agencies, empowered by effective legislation. This legislative support aims to address legal voids that have previously hindered effective prosecution of terrorism-related cases also ensuring award of exemplary punishments to convicted terrorists.
This renewed campaign is necessitated due to a significant rise in terror activities in Pakistan over the past year, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to an annual security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023. This marks a record six-year high, underscoring urgent need for a robust and cohesive counter-terrorism strategy. Most importantly, Operation Azm-i-Istehkam is designed not just to address immediate threats of terrorism but also to implement socio-economic measures aimed at addressing genuine concerns of the populace. By creating an environment that discourages extremist tendencies, the campaign seeks to attack the root causes of terrorism. The information space will also be leveraged to promote a unified national narrative in support of the campaign.
The timing to launch this operation is also significant as Pakistan seeks to attract investment and enhance economic ties with friendly countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Peace and stability are paramount to promote confidence in both foreign and domestic investors. At third meeting of the Pakistan-China Joint Consultative Mechanism, Liu Jianchao, Minister of the Central Committee of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, emphasised that security is the foremost challenge threatening the future of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Enhanced security protocols and a supportive business and media environment are essential for the project’s continuation and success. Liu Jianchao’s concerns are particularly pertinent, as Chinese workers have been targeted in Pakistan. The launch of operation sends a clear message to international community about Pakistan’s seriousness and unflinching resolve against terrorism. We are confident that this new operation, by integrating various lines of effort and leveraging legislative and institutional support, will prove to be more successful in achieving desired goals and pave the way for a more peaceful and stable Pakistan.
It is also imperative to establish a robust mechanism for monitoring the progress of Operation Azm-i-Istehkam. The forum of Apex Committee that includes representatives from all stakeholders, can serve this purpose effectively. This committee should meet regularly to assess the operation’s advancements, address emerging challenges and make necessary adjustments to the strategy. This will also ensure that campaign remains on track and responsive to the dynamic nature of counter-terrorism efforts.
