ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to launch Operation ‘Azm-e-Istehkam,’ to eradicate extremism and terrorism from the country, said a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing on Saturday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a reinvigorated and re-energized national counter-terrorism campaign during a meeting of the Central Apex Committee on National Action Plan.
The prime minister said that operation Azm-e-Istehkam, backed by consensus from all stakeholders, including provinces, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will consolidate multiple lines of effort to combat extremism and terrorism comprehensively and decisively.
This initiative signifies the country’s united determination to eliminate extremism and terrorism.
The meeting was attended by key federal ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Additionally, the chief ministers of all provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan, Services Chiefs and chief secretaries of the provinces along with other senior civilian, military and Law Enforcement Agencies officers were present.
The forum conducted a thorough review of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and assessed the internal security situation. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fighting extremism and terrorism as crucial for the nation’s survival, emphasizing that no one would be allowed to challenge the state’s authority.
The progress of the National Action Plan’s various components was scrutinized, with a focus on identifying implementation gaps and addressing them urgently. The forum stressed the need for a robust counter-terrorism strategy based on national consensus and synergy across all systems.
In the politico-diplomatic sphere, the forum pledged to intensify efforts for regional cooperation to limit terrorists’ operational space. It also highlighted the armed forces’ renewed efforts, backed by support from law enforcement agencies and effective legislation to prosecute terrorism-related cases.
Moreover, the campaign will include socioeconomic measures to address people’s concerns and discourage extremist ideologies.
The forum also reviewed security measures for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, issuing new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance security mechanisms for them.
