Lahore: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Operation Azm-e-Istahkam has no political objectives and assured that they will address the concerns of political parties.
Speaking at a press conference in Model Town, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the announcement to launch Operation Azm-e-Istahkam was made after a meeting. He added that Operation Azm-e-Istahkam is being compared to Operation Zarb-e-Azb or Radd-ul-Fasaad. Although the objectives remain the same, the nature of previous operations was different.
He mentioned that authorities have conducted operations against terrorism in the past, notably after the 2016 APS incident, which resulted in the creation of the National Action Plan. All political parties were on board and supported the National Action Plan. Operation Azm-e-Istahkam is a continuation of this National Action Plan.
Khawaja Asif pointed out that there is a fundamental difference between the past and the current situation. Today, FATA has merged, whereas, in the past, terrorists controlled those areas, rendering them no-go zones. Now, the state has authority over all areas.
The Defense Minister stated that there’s some terrorist infiltration at night in positive regions. However, there may be no situation where terrorists have control over any of our territories.
He also mentioned that they have established an apex committee under the National Action Plan. All four provincial chief ministers have not opposed this plan. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not express any objections during the meeting. And expressed tacit support for this action.
The Federal Minister said they would discuss this matter in the cabinet and parliament, addressing all questions and concerns. They will resolve the fears of JUI and PTI. The national assembly and senate will debate this for as many days as necessary.
Khawaja Asif emphasized that this operation has no political motives and that its sole aim is to eliminate terrorism. He urged the media to support it, focusing on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He stressed that this is not a political struggle. But a national security endeavor.
He further noted that three parties holding significant vote banks are participating in the districts where the operation will occur. These parties are taking a stand to protect their votes. The soldiers risk their lives daily, and this unrest could escalate, with external support also contributing to the situation. Some people want this country to become a no-go area for the world, and certain elements do not want anyone to come here.
