- National dialogue initiated by PM Shehbaz Sharif on Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
- Opposition parties express reservations over the new anti-terrorism drive.
- Pakistan Army defends the operation, emphasizing national stability and security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has announced plans for a national dialogue following reservations raised by opposition parties regarding Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, Geo News reported on Thursday.
Sources revealed that PM Shehbaz briefed his cabinet members on the objectives and scope of the new counter-terrorism operation. Last month, the federal cabinet approved decisions under the National Action Plan’s Central Apex Committee, including the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
Recent developments have seen security forces reclaim areas previously held by terrorists, handing them over to provincial governments. However, concerns arose over the resurgence of terrorist activities due to alleged failures in governance, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Several political parties, including PTI, JUI-F, ANP, and JI, voiced reservations against the operation. Responding to criticism, the government clarified that no large-scale military operation threatening mass evictions was underway and pledged to discuss the matter in parliament.
PM Shehbaz has announced plans to convene an All-Parties Conference (APC) to foster consensus on Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, receiving support from PTI leader Imran Khan. The Pakistan Army also defended the operation, denouncing unwarranted criticism and reaffirming its commitment to national stability and economic prosperity.
The military emphasized that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam aims to synchronize national counter-terrorism efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and illegal activities in Pakistan. Despite recent terrorist attacks causing civilian and security forces casualties, Pakistan reiterated calls on Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government to prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan, a claim Kabul denies.