The meeting of the Central Apex Committee of the National Action Plan chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to eliminate terrorism and extremism across the country.
The meeting held in Islamabad on Saturday included key federal cabinet members such as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Interior Minister, Finance Minister, Law Minister, and Information Minister.
Others who attended the meeting included Chief Ministers from all provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan, services chiefs, provincial chief secretaries, and other senior civilian, military, and law enforcement officials.
The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing anti-terrorism campaign, internal security situation, and progress of the National Action Plan’s multi-domain principles and highlighted areas where implementation was lacking. It stressed on addressing these shortcomings as a priority.
It also stressed a new active counter-terrorism strategy based on national consensus. Prime Minister Shehbaz approved the reactivation of the national anti-terrorism campaign through the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, symbolizing national resolve with consensus from all stakeholders, including the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam aims to eradicate extremism and terrorism decisively and comprehensively. It will coordinate and align efforts across multiple fronts to address the threats while intensifying efforts to curb terrorist activities through regional cooperation within the political and diplomatic spheres.
With full support from all law enforcement agencies, the operation will bolster the armed forces’ renewed and vigorous efforts. To close legal loopholes that hinder the prosecution of terrorism-related cases effective legislation will take place, ensuring exemplary punishments for offenders.
Socio-economic measures aimed at addressing the genuine concerns of the populace and creating an environment that discourages extremist tendencies will complement this campaign.
The fight against extremism and terrorism is Pakistan’s battle, crucial for the nation’s survival and welfare. The stress was that the government would not allow anyone to challenge the state’s authority without repercussions.
The meeting also reviewed measures to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. New Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) came into being to enhance the security framework for Chinese citizens in the country, following the prime minister’s approval.
President Xi Jinping in his meeting with Shehbaz Sharif expressed the hope that Pakistan would create a safe, stable, and predictable business environment that would guarantee the safety of Chinese personnel and projects. A Chinese official delivered the same message to our civil and military elite in Islamabad in a most direct manner.
The head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Liu Jianchao, told a forum attended by representatives of Pakistan’s mainstream parties that the security situation here was shaking the confidence of Chinese investors. He also called for improving the business environment, reiterated the necessity for political stability, and stressed a CPEC-friendly media environment.
The Pakistani ruling elite should not take lightly China’s concerns, especially at a time, when the country needs all the foreign investment it can get. Regarding the official’s observation of a CPEC-friendly media environment, more transparency about the long-term plans for the project can clear the air.
For neutralizing the militant threat to the Chinese and all other foreign projects in the country, Pakistan has no option. The prime minister hinted at this during Saturday’s apex committee meeting. The killing of foreign workers in terrorist attacks and the targeting of multimillion-dollar projects will prevent overseas parties from investing in this country.
Pakistan needs to facilitate foreign investors and eliminate the bottlenecks. It has little choice but to improve its performance in both areas. Additionally, all local stakeholders must pledge to honor commitments with foreign parties, and not derail them when governments change. It is only in Pakistan’s interest to heed most of China’s advice.
