In a bid to reassure international partners of its commitment to combating militancy and terrorism, Pakistan has launched a new counterterrorism operation, Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability). The operation aims to reinvigorate the National Action Plan against terrorism, initiated in 2014.
The government has assured that Azm-e-Istehkam is not a large-scale military operation, but a \”multi-domain, multi-agency, whole-of-the-system national vision\” to strengthen ongoing efforts against militancy and extremism. The operation comes at a time when intelligence-based operations are already underway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The announcement has raised questions about its objectives and timing, with opposition parties calling for an in-camera briefing and parliamentary involvement. The government has stressed that the operation will focus on ensuring stability and security in the country, addressing domestic and international concerns.
The move is seen as a strategic attempt to demonstrate Pakistan\’s commitment to improving the security environment, addressing concerns of allies like China, and strengthening ties with regional partners. As the operation unfolds, the government will need to maintain unity and coordination among stakeholders and engage with opposition parties to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
