Fazl warns Azm-e-Istehkam operation would further 'weaken' Pakistan

After Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Awami National Party (ANP) opposition against Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also condemned the operation, declaring it a "destabilising initiative" that will further weaken Pakistan.

During a press conference, JUI-F chief after meeting with Dr Malik Baloch, Asghar Achakzai, Khushal Khan Kakar, and Abdul Khaliq Hazara said, "This is not Operation Azm-e-Istehkam but rather operation "Adm-e-Istehkam", which, he say will make Pakistan even more vulnerable.

"The establishment must end its dominance in all aspects," the JUI-F chief added.

Fazl stressed the equality of all citizens under the same national identity, asserting, "We are all equal citizens of this country. One class should not consider itself rulers while the rest remain subjects. Our history is about fighting against slavery, and we will not be treated like animals."

Criticising the state's declining control, Fazl highlighted the ineffectiveness of police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and questioned the military's involvement in civilian governance.

"What is the Apex Committee? At the tehsil level, a major; at the district level, a colonel; at the provincial level, a corps commander; and at the federal level, the army chief. When a uniformed officer is present, who will make the decisions?" he asked.

On June 22, the Apex Committee of National Action Plan, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam” to eliminate terrorism and extremism across the country.

The meeting, held in Islamabad, included key federal cabinet members such as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Interior Minister, Finance Minister, Law Minister, and Information Minister.

Chief ministers from all provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan, services chiefs, provincial chief secretaries, and other senior civilian, military, and law enforcement officials also attended.

The meeting stressed the need for a new, dynamic counter-terrorism strategy based on national consensus and broad systemic coordination. Prime Minister Shehbaz approved the reactivation of the national anti-terrorism campaign through the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, symbolising national resolve with consensus from all stakeholders, including the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The forum also reviewed measures to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Following the prime minister's approval, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were issued to enhance the security framework for Chinese citizens in the country.