Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has voiced strong opposition to Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, branding it a destabilizing move that will further weaken Pakistan.
During a press conference, after meeting with political figures Dr. Malik Baloch, Asghar Achakzai, Khushal Khan Kakar, and Abdul Khaliq Hazara, Fazlur Rehman declared, “This is not Operation Azm-e-Istehkam but rather Operation Adm-e-Istehkam,” indicating that the initiative will make Pakistan more vulnerable.
He called for an end to the establishment’s dominance, asserting, “We are all equal citizens of this country. One class should not consider itself rulers while the rest remain subjects. Our history is about fighting against slavery, and we will not be treated like animals.” He also criticized the state’s declining control, particularly the ineffectiveness of police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and questioned the military’s involvement in civilian governance, asking, “What is the Apex Committee? When a uniformed officer is present, who will make the decisions?”On June 22, the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to eliminate terrorism and extremism across the country.
The meeting, held in Islamabad, included key federal cabinet members, chief ministers from all provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan, service chiefs, provincial chief secretaries, and other senior officials. The meeting emphasized the need for a new, dynamic counter-terrorism strategy based on national consensus and systemic coordination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz approved the reactivation of the national anti-terrorism campaign through this operation, symbolizing national resolve with consensus from all stakeholders.
Additionally, the forum reviewed measures to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Following the prime minister’s approval, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were issued to enhance the security framework for Chinese citizens in the country.
