Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday authorized Operation “Azm-e-Istehkam,” a revitalized national counter-terrorism initiative aimed at intensifying efforts against militants targeting Pakistan. This significant decision emerged from a Central Apex Committee on National Action Plan (NAP) meeting.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the new counter-terrorism operation has received unanimous approval from all stakeholders, including provinces, Gilgit Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The statement highlighted that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam symbolizes the national determination to eliminate extremism and terrorism.
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The meeting was attended by the chief ministers of all provinces and GB, service chiefs, chief secretaries, and other senior officials from civilian, military, and law enforcement agencies. The PMO press release stated that the operation would integrate various efforts to combat extremism and terrorism comprehensively and decisively.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam would be pivotal in countering terrorism threats, with diplomatic efforts being intensified to dismantle terrorist organizations. The forum reaffirmed that the fight against extremism and terrorism is essential for Pakistan’s survival and vowed to uphold the state’s authority.
Security measures for Chinese citizens were also reviewed, reflecting the government’s commitment to the safety of foreign nationals. The meeting assessed the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and internal security situation, stressing the need for a comprehensive strategy based on national consensus and system-wide synergy.
The forum resolved to enhance legal frameworks to effectively prosecute terrorism-related cases and implement socioeconomic measures to address public concerns and deter extremism. Additionally, efforts in the information space will promote a unified national narrative supporting the campaign.
Following the prime minister’s approval, new standard operating procedures (SOPs) were issued to enhance security for Chinese citizens in Pakistan. Key ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, attended the meeting.
The NAP committee meeting addressed the country’s ongoing challenge with extremism, with recent reports highlighting significant fatalities and attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
