'Azm-i-Istehkam': Pakistan to Launch New Operation Against Terrorism

Islamab: Pakistan on Saturday announced to launch a major new operation against terrorism with a renewed commitment to ericate militancy from country.

decision to launch Operation Azm-i-Istehkam (strong commitment) was taken at apex committee of National Action Plan (NAP), a 20-point multi-pronged strategy approved in 2014 after Peshawar school attack to eliminate militants and extremism.

“Azm-i-Istehkam will integrate and synergise multiple lines of effort to combat menaces of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner,” Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a press release issued after meeting.

new anti-militancy campaign was launched with consensus of all stakeholders, including four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir regions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired meeting and it was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhamm Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, chief ministers, services chiefs, and chief secretaries of provinces along with or senior civilian, military and law enforcement agency officers.

PMO said forum conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and assessed country’s internal security situation.

“ forum reiterated that fight against extremism and terrorism is Pakistan’s war and is absolutely essential for nation’s survival and well-being. forum resolved that no one will be allowed to challenge writ of state without any exception,” it ded.

progress on NAP’s multi-domain tenets was scrutinised, with particular emphasis on identifying shortcomings in its implementation for dressing m as top priority. necessity for a comprehensive and reinvigorated counter-terrorism strategy, founded on “complete national consensus and system-wide synergy”, was underscored.

PMO said in politico-diplomatic domain, efforts would be intensified to curtail operational space for terrorists through regional cooperation.

renewed and full-blown kinetic efforts of armed forces would be augmented by full support from all law enforcement agencies, empowered by effective legislation to dress legal voids that hindered effective prosecution of terrorism-related cases and award of exemplary punishments to m, press release said.

It ded that campaign would be duly complemented by socioeconomic measures aimed at dressing genuine concerns of people and creating an environment that discouraged extremist tendencies.

Furrmore, information space would be leveraged to promote a “unified national narrative in support of campaign”.

forum also reviewed measures to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Following prime minister’s approval, new standard operating procedures were issued to relevant departments, which would enhance mechanisms for providing comprehensive security to Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

decision to launch a new operation has been taken when country faces a new onslaught by Tehreek-i-Taliban militants who, according to officials, are based in Afghanistan.

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