In response to vocal criticism from opposition parties, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif assured that their concerns regarding the newly announced counterterrorism campaign, ‘Operation Azm-i-Istehkam,’ would be addressed. The government unveiled the campaign on Saturday, emphasizing a national counterterrorism effort that would enhance the kinetic actions of the armed forces with support from all law enforcement agencies and fill legal gaps for more effective prosecution of terrorism-related cases.
The announcement followed a Central Apex Committee of National Action Plan meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and attended by key federal ministers, provincial chief ministers, army and airforce chiefs, and top bureaucrats.
Despite the campaign’s objectives, opposition parties, including the PTI, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam—Fazl (JUI-F), and the Awami National Party (ANP), voiced strong opposition both inside and outside Parliament. They demanded that the Parliament be consulted on the matter before implementation.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also denied discussing the campaign during the apex committee meeting, further fueling the opposition’s demand for greater parliamentary involvement in the decision-making process.
The government has pledged to address these concerns, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stating, “We recognize the importance of inclusive decision-making and will ensure that all voices are heard and considered in the implementation of Operation Azm-i-Istehkam.”
The campaign, which seeks to strengthen counterterrorism efforts across Pakistan, aims to integrate and synergize various lines of effort, ensuring a comprehensive approach to combating extremism and terrorism. However, the opposition’s insistence on parliamentary oversight highlights the need for transparency and collaboration in national security matters.
As the government moves forward with the campaign, it remains to be seen how effectively it will address the concerns of the opposition and achieve its goals of enhancing national security and stability.