Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: All you need to know

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam| News and Media| Updated June 23 2024

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam approved by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is a new national counter-terrorism campaign. This decision was made during a meeting of the Apex Committee on National Action Plan in Islamabad, with representatives from all provinces, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in attendance.

According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Pakistan witnessed 245 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations during the first quarter of 2024, resulting in 432 fatalities and 370 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and rebels.

The new campaign, agreed upon by all stakeholders, aims to eliminate extremism and terrorism in Pakistan. The meeting reviewed the current counter-terrorism efforts and the overall security situation. Prime Minister Sharif praised the armed forces for their sacrifices and successes in the fight against terrorism but emphasized that this fight is not solely their responsibility. He called for federal and provincial governments, as well as all institutions, to play their part.

Recent increases in terrorist activities have highlighted the need for a stronger, more coordinated response.

  • Peshawar Mosque Attack (January 30, 2023): A suicide bombing in a mosque in Peshawar resulted in over 100 casualties, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups.
  • Quetta Market Blast (February 17, 2023): A bomb explosion in a crowded market in Quetta caused multiple deaths and injuries, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures.
  • Targeted Killings in Karachi (March 15, 2023): A series of targeted killings of law enforcement personnel and civilians in Karachi raised concerns about the resurgence of militant activities in urban areas.
  • Attack on Army Convoy in North Waziristan (April 25, 2023): An ambush on an army convoy resulted in the deaths of several soldiers, emphasizing the persistent threat in the tribal regions.
  • Terrorist Assault on Balochistan Frontier Corps Post (May 10, 2023): Militants attacked a Frontier Corps post in Balochistan, leading to a fierce gun battle and casualties among the security forces.
  • Suicide Attack on Chinese Engineers in Shangla (March 31, 2024): A suicide attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers working on the Dasu Dam project resulted in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and a local driver.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, both bordering Afghanistan, accounted for over 92% of all fatalities and 86% of attacks during this period. Balochistan recorded a staggering 96% surge in violence, with fatalities jumping to 178 from 91 in the last quarter of 2023. Sindh saw a nearly 47% rise in violence, though the number of fatalities was very low. In contrast, KP, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) recorded decreases in violence by 24%, 85%, and 65%, respectively.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam will combine military efforts with socioeconomic measures to address the root causes of extremism. Examples of these efforts include:

  • Education Initiatives: Building and renovating schools in affected areas to provide quality education and counter extremist indoctrination.
  • Job Creation Programs: Implementing vocational training and employment programs to offer alternative livelihoods to young people at risk of radicalization.
  • Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure projects like roads, hospitals, and community centers to improve living conditions and foster community resilience.
  • Increased Surveillance and Intelligence Sharing: Enhancing intelligence capabilities to identify and disrupt terrorist networks.
  • Targeted Operations: Conducting focused military operations in regions known for terrorist activity to dismantle their infrastructure.
  • Training and Equipment: Providing advanced training and modern equipment to security forces to improve their effectiveness.

The campaign also aims to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. New procedures have been put in place to enhance their security, showing Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its international partners. Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is a crucial step in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism. By combining military action with efforts to improve social and economic conditions, Pakistan aims to create a safer and more peaceful future.

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