Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
Shahzad Masood Roomi
In a pivotal National Action Plan Apex Committee session held on June 22, 2024, Pakistan took a resolute step forward by discarding the divisive notion of “good” and “bad” Taliban, marking a significant shift towards comprehensive counterterrorism measures. Under the banner of “Azam-e-Istehkam,” the government declared an unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from its roots.
Led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the committee underscored the urgency of decisive action across all troubled regions of the nation. From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan, and beyond borders, every minute will be dedicated to eliminating terrorists and their supporters. This commitment was echoed by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who unequivocally stated that any distinction between Taliban factions exists only in history books.
However, this is not the first time a national-level effort has been launched to eradicate the menace of local and cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan. Naturally, one might ask how this operation will differ from those launched before it. The answer lies in the details issued by the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad to the media.
According to the press release by the PMO, Azm-e-Istehkam is not merely a military operation but a comprehensive national approach, as envisaged in the National Action Plan after the dreadful incident at APS Peshawar in 2014. The first departure from traditional military-led kinetic operations is the emphasis on strengthening legal frameworks to ensure swift and exemplary punishment for terrorists. The announcement also highlighted simplifying procedures to expedite justice and establishing a robust, coordinated mechanism to combat terrorism comprehensively. These are promising steps and, if implemented in letter and spirit, can bring a visible change in the country’s internal security situation. However, this also poses a significant test for the country’s political leadership to implement this legal agenda on a war footing.
It is commendable how the Prime Minister stressed the indispensable role of a strong judiciary in this fight, asserting that the judiciary’s effectiveness is pivotal to the nation’s ability to combat terrorism effectively. Throughout Pakistan’s war against terrorism, a weak judicial system has remained its Achilles Heel. Despite multiple amendments, there are many legal loopholes in the prevailing judicial framework that allow terrorists or their sympathizers to escape punishment. Hopefully, now all these weaknesses will be addressed, and Pakistan will have a strong legal code to deter terrorism and extremism. Another feature of this operation is the recognition of the intertwined nature of crimes like drug trafficking, religious extremism, terrorism, and street crime. Hence, emphasis will be placed on better inter-provincial coordination to ensure criminals cannot escape punishment by simply changing their location from one province to another. Such coordination was lacking in many previous efforts.
Pakistan’s military command has fully endorsed the government’s initiative of Azm-e-Istehkam. The resolve exhibited by leaders like Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and other key stakeholders reaffirms a united front against terrorism. They reiterated that this battle transcends mere military operations—it demands a cohesive national effort.
The announcement of this operation also depicts a growing realization in Islamabad about the importance of peace and security for attracting much-needed investment, which is vital for Pakistan’s strategic economic interests.
The inclusion of diplomatic efforts in this initiative is another welcome addition. So far, Pakistan has suffered diplomatically due to inconsistent behavior in this domain. Despite being a victim of foreign-sponsored terrorism, Pakistan has failed to proactively present its case on international forums, while hostile entities in the region have successfully painted a bleak picture of Pakistan on internal security matters. Merely sending dossiers to the UN and influential capitals is not enough; instead, Pakistan needs a dedicated, consistent, and aggressive diplomatic effort to present its case. Against this backdrop, a renewed emphasis on linking diplomatic efforts with kinetic actions and legal reforms is a promising step forward in the country’s war against terrorism.
In conclusion, the state underscored the imperative of unity and proactive measures across all sectors of governance. As the nation embarks on this journey, it must uphold these commitments with unwavering dedication and vigilance for its people’s safety and future prosperity. The biggest responsibility lies on the shoulders of the federal government and judiciary, as the Pakistani military has been conducting operations daily already. Their sacrifices and efforts have been undermined by a weak judicial framework against terrorism. Insha’Allah, with Azm-e-Istehkam, not only will these weaknesses be addressed, but the motherland will enter a new era of prosperity, peace, and progress.
