Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan announced the launch of a new counter-terrorism operation named “Azm-e-Istahkam.” The initiative aims to bolster the nation’s fight against terrorism through a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.
Shehbaz Sharif detailed the plan during a high-level government committee meeting on Saturday, June 22. He emphasized that the decision was made following a consensus among all stakeholders.
The operational plan encompasses several components. On the military front, Pakistan’s armed forces will be strengthened. In the political and diplomatic realms, Pakistan will intensify regional cooperation to restrict the operational space of terrorists.
The High Committee on Pakistan’s National Action Plan, led by the Prime Minister, approved this operational program. This initiative marks a significant step in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
During the committee meeting, Sharif stressed the importance of creating a “national narrative” against terrorism. He asserted that combating terrorism is not the responsibility of a single institution but requires the involvement of all governmental bodies, particularly the federal states.
Sharif expressed concern over the possibility of states withdrawing from the fight against terrorism, describing it as a dangerous trend that has become common practice in recent years. He emphasized that it is the duty of the military and its officers to carry out this work.
Labelling the fight against terrorism as a “battle for survival,” Sharif stated that political and religious leaders must have a clear mindset in this struggle. He highlighted that this battle is for the nation’s own survival, not for others.
Sharif further added that with efforts in the political and diplomatic arenas and regional cooperation, the operational space for terrorists would be limited. He noted that for over two and a half decades, terrorism has severely challenged Pakistan, intertwining with issues like crime, drug trafficking, smuggling, and religious extremism.
In 2023, Pakistan faced 789 militant attacks resulting in 1,524 deaths and 1,463 injuries, an unprecedented figure in six years. Pakistan accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering Pakistani militants.
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