PMO Clarifies Operation “Azm-e-Istehkam”: No Large-Scale Military Operation Planned

ISLAMABAD, June 26, 2024 — In a late Monday announcement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) clarified that Operation “Azm-e-Istehkam” is not a large-scale military operation akin to previous kinetic operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Rah-e-Najaat. This clarification comes two days after the federal government announced the initiative, which has been met with concerns from opposition parties.

“The recently announced vision for enduring stability named Azm-e-Istehkam is being erroneously misunderstood and compared with earlier launched kinetic operations,” stated the PMO. Unlike previous operations, which required mass displacement of local populations to dislodge terrorists from no-go areas, the new operation aims for comprehensive national stability without such measures.

Political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F), and the Awami National Party (ANP), have expressed concerns over the new operation, urging that parliament be consulted before any major decisions. The PMO’s statement assures that no displacement will be necessary and that the operation will focus on enhancing ongoing intelligence-based efforts.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is described as a multi-domain, multi-agency initiative aimed at reinforcing the revised National Action Plan. The operation is designed to decisively eliminate the remaining terrorist elements, disrupt crime-terror nexuses, and eradicate violent extremism. It encompasses political, diplomatic, legal, and informational strategies alongside continued law enforcement activities.

The PMO emphasized that this operation is vital for ensuring a secure environment conducive to Pakistan’s economic development and prosperity. “This will include political, diplomatic, legal and information prongs apart from already continuing operations by all Law Enforcement Agencies,” the statement added.

The launch of Azm-e-Istehkam comes amid a significant rise in terrorist activity in Pakistan. The News reported in January that fatalities from terrorist attacks and counter-terror operations have reached a six-year high, with nearly 1,000 deaths recorded. Recent months have seen militants using advanced weaponry against security forces, exacerbating the security situation.

Islamabad has repeatedly called on the interim Afghan government to prevent the use of its territory by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups for attacks against Pakistan. The new operation is seen as a necessary step to address these ongoing threats and stabilize the region.

The PMO’s clarification aims to dispel misunderstandings and quell debates surrounding Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. As Pakistan grapples with increasing security challenges, this initiative seeks to strengthen national stability and support economic growth through a coordinated, multi-faceted approach.