Defence Minister unveils 'Azm-e-Istehkam' operation against terrorism

The Defence Minister has unveiled plans for a new military operation, 'Azm-e-Istehkam,' aimed at addressing the recent surge in terrorist activities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan. This operation will differ from previous ones by focusing solely on targeting terrorists without any political agenda. The Defence Minister stressed the importance of national support from various sectors, including the bureaucracy, media, and political parties, to ensure the success of the operation.

Previous decisions to pardon terrorists were criticized for their adverse effects, with the military leadership attributing such actions to the civil government. The government is now planning to openly discuss this matter to reach a consensus and avoid past mistakes. The upcoming operation will be intelligence-based to minimize civilian displacement, a departure from previous approaches.

Reflecting on the evolution of security measures since the National Action Plan's inception, the Defence Minister highlighted the significance of past operations like Zarb-e-Azb and the tragic APS attack in shaping the current strategy. Despite acknowledging the presence of TTP activities in certain areas, the Minister emphasized that the situation does not warrant a return to Taliban rule and assured that the operation is solely driven by domestic interests, not external influences.

In light of persistent challenges posed by the resurgence of Taliban elements, the Defence Minister called for unified national support to effectively combat security threats. The government remains committed to a comprehensive approach to counter terrorism, building on past successes like Radd-ul-Fasaad and Zarb-e-Azb.

The announcement of the 'Azm-e-Istehkam' operation marks a significant step in the government's efforts to tackle terrorism and ensure national security. With a renewed focus on intelligence-based actions and a clear commitment to addressing internal security threats independently, the operation aims to safeguard the country from the menace of terrorism. By emphasizing the need for unified support and learning from past experiences, the Defence Minister has set a clear path towards a safer and more secure future for Pakistan.