Pakistan Launches Revamped Counter-Terrorism Campaign "Operation Azm-i-Istehkam"

The federal government of Pakistan has officially launched Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, a reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign, signaling a unified resolve to eliminate extremism and terrorism. This comprehensive initiative was approved during a meeting of the Central Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The campaign is backed by consensus from all relevant stakeholders, including the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Why This Matters: According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), "Azm-i-Istehkam will integrate and synergize multiple lines of effort to combat the menaces of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner." This renewed effort is part of the 20-point NAP, initially developed by the National Counter Terrorism Authority in consultation with various stakeholders and approved by Parliament on December 24, 2014, following the devastating terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar.

Pakistan has seen a significant rise in terror activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the end of a ceasefire with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022. An annual security report from the Centre for Research and Security Studies highlighted 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023, marking the highest toll in six years.

The PMO stated that the forum conducted a thorough review of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and assessed the internal security situation. "The fight against extremism and terrorism is Pakistan’s war and is absolutely essential for the nation’s survival and well-being," the forum reiterated. It was resolved that no entity would be allowed to challenge the state's authority without exception.

The review emphasized scrutinizing the progress on NAP’s multi-domain tenets, identifying shortcomings, and addressing them as top priorities. A comprehensive and reinvigorated counter-terrorism strategy, founded on "complete national consensus and system-wide synergy," was underscored. The PMO also mentioned that in the politico-diplomatic domain, efforts would be intensified to limit the operational space for terrorists through enhanced regional cooperation.

Operation Azm-i-Istehkam represents Pakistan's renewed and determined effort to combat terrorism and extremism within its borders. By integrating various efforts and ensuring national consensus, the campaign aims to create a more secure environment for the country's future.

Key Takeaways:

• Operation Azm-i-Istehkam launched with consensus from all stakeholders.
• Campaign integrates multiple efforts to combat extremism and terrorism.
• Follows 2014's National Action Plan post-Peshawar school attack.
• Annual report noted a six-year high in terror-related fatalities.
• Diplomatic efforts will curb terrorists' operational space.