No political motives behind 'Azm-e-Istehkam' operation, framework to be clarified soon: Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that the majority of operations under 'Azm-e-Istehkam' will be conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, adding that a detailed framework will be clarified within the next few days.

Speaking at a press conference at PML-N secretariat in Lahore's Model Town on Tuesday, Asif stated, "If we reach an agreement to conduct it [Operation Azm-e-Istehkam], we will also agree on its details."

"This operation will be slightly different from previous ones. It will commence with actions against terrorists. The operation has no political motives; its sole purpose is to counter the recent surge in terrorism, and therefore, it should be supported by everyone."

Asif highlighted that the government's previous decisions to pardon terrorists had adverse effects.

"According to military leadership, the decision to grant amnesty to terrorists was made by the civil leadership. This matter will be openly discussed to reach a consensus," he said.

He emphasised the importance of support from the bureaucracy and media, stating, "We need to build consensus on this operation in the House."

Asif acknowledged concerns from political parties about their vote banks but assured that legal and constitutional aspects would be addressed. "My request is for national-level support," he urged.

The defence minister highlighted that previous operations caused displacement, but this one will be intelligence-based.

He added that when the National Action Plan was formulated, various regions of the country were under terrorist control.

He mentioned previous operations like Zarb-e-Azb and the tragic APS attack in December 2016, which led to the formulation of the National Action Plan.

"The situation is different now; it's not that there is a Taliban rule necessitating this plan," he stated.

"Now, some areas are still affected by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) activities, but the situation is not as dire as before," he remarked.

"We fought two wars under Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf's regimes for United States (US) interests. This operation, however, is being conducted on our own terms, not at the behest of China or anyone else."

"After Radd-ul-Fasaad and Zarb-e-Azb, peace was established, but this wave has come after bringing and settling the Taliban again. The world is at peace, NATO forces have left, but we are still struggling," he remarked.

Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, launched in 2017, involved the active participation of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, Navy, and other law enforcement agencies, with over 375,000 operations carried out and thousands of militants killed.

This had built on the gains of the earlier Operation Zarb-e-Azb, a joint military offensive launched in 2014 against militants in North Waziristan.

The defence minister emphasized the daily sacrifices of Pakistan's armed forces and called for the judiciary, media, politicians, and institutions to support the operation.

"If the judiciary or media do not support this effort, the operation's objectives cannot be achieved," he asserted.

The defence minister assured that there would be no evacuations during this operation.

Asif revealed that the decision to launch Azm-e-Istehkam was made by the apex committee, which included all chief ministers, and none opposed it.

"The Chief Minister of KP was present in the meeting and did not object. Today, it will be presented in the assembly for thorough debate, and all concerns of the opposition will be addressed," he said.

On June 23, 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.

Following that, yesterday, the Awami National Party (ANP) voiced its opposition to the Azm-e-Istehkam, declaring the operation unacceptable under any circumstances.

Discussing Afghanistan, Asif said, "I went for talks in Afghanistan; others continue to visit. The Kabul government expressed cooperation, but no solid progress has been made."

The minister concluded by stating that the committee, comprising the prime minister, all four chief ministers, and the army chief, unanimously agreed on the operation.

"Today, it will be discussed in the cabinet meeting, and questions from coalition parties will be answered."

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.