Azm-e-Istehkam nothing like previous military operations, clarifies PM Office

In the wake of opposition shown by majority of political parties in the country, the Prime Minister's Office clarified on Monday that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, announced recently for sustainable peace and stability, is being misunderstood.

The statement from the Prime Minister's Office explained that the operation is being incorrectly compared to previous military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Rah-e-Nijat, which targeted no-go areas and regions challenging the state's writ.

"These past operations required large-scale displacement of local populations and a complete eradication of terrorism from affected areas," the statement read. "Currently, there are no such no-go areas in the country."

The office emphasised that previous military operations had decisively dismantled the capacity of terrorist organisations to conduct large-scale operations within Pakistan. "There is no consideration for any large-scale military operation that would necessitate population displacement," it added.

Also read: K-P govt withholds support for Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

Azm-e-Istehkam is described as a multifaceted national vision for sustainable peace and stability, involving collaboration between various security agencies and the entire state apparatus.

"The aim is to reinvigorate the ongoing implementation of the revised National Action Plan, which was initiated with national consensus in the political arena," the statement noted. "The goal is to decisively eliminate the remnants of terrorists, their criminal facilitators, and violent extremism in the country."

The operation will ensure a secure environment conducive to Pakistan's economic development and prosperity, the office stated. It will incorporate political, diplomatic, legal, and informational aspects in addition to the ongoing operations by law enforcement agencies.

"We should all support this positive initiative, launched with collective wisdom and political consensus for national security and stability, while dispelling all misconceptions and ending unnecessary debates on the subject," the statement concluded.

The statement came after resistance to the proposed operation by the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with JUI-F, Jamaat-e-Islami, ANP, PkMAP, and others.

They emphasised that the federal government should take Parliament and provincial assemblies into confidence for actions against terrorism and consult all political parties in Pakistan, adding that the operation cannot be supported until its details are clear.