Kundi voices support for ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’

Says those who backed terrorists should also be targeted

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has expressed his support for Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.

Earlier today, Kundi visited the Bacha Khan Centre of the Awami National Party (ANP) and met with senior party leaders to discuss security and political matters.

In a subsequent media briefing, the K-P governor remarked “Those who backed terrorists should also be targeted. It would have been better to take political parties on board regarding the operation.”

“I will raise the political parties' concerns with the Prime Minister and the President of Pakistan. As Governor, I support Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.”

Parliament divided over another military operation

The government offered an in-camera briefing to parliament on a new military operation against terrorists, as opposition lawmakers on Sunday mounted a strong protest in the National Assembly, asserting that the parameters of the offensive should have been set in parliament.

Yesterday, Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) declared their refusal to support any military operation, demanding that military leadership take Parliament into confidence first.

After walking out of the National Assembly today, PTI and SIC leaders addressed the media. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasised, “Any military operation must involve parliamentary consent. Parliament is supreme under the Constitution.”

However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the decision of the operation was taken in an Apex Committee meeting which was also attended by K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur.

The minister accused PTI of “standing with the terrorists by demonstrating in this house”. He said that if the PTI had any objection, they could discuss it in the house. “The decision of the committee is being taken to the cabinet, after which the matter will be brought to the House.”

Today, ANP declared its opposition to the Azm-e-Istehkam operation of Pakistan, declaring the operation unacceptable under any circumstances.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has also criticised Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, labelling it as a move that will further destabilise Pakistan.