In order to counter the menace of TTP and BLA, the government of Pakistan has announced the operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a revitalization of operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. It aims to enhance coordination between different sectors of the government and synchronize their efforts in curbing terrorism and extremism in Pakistan.
The resurgence of terrorism in recent times has posed considerable challenges to Pakistan’s national security. In response to this escalating threat, the Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, presided over the significant meeting of the Apex Committee on March 22, 2024.
During this meeting PM approved the launch of strategic counter terrorism operation named “Azm–e–Istehkam,” which translates to “Resolve for
Stability.” This operation indicates a strenuous effort to reinforce national stability and strengthen the country’s resolve against the multifaceted threats posed by terrorism.
It is a strengthened and reinvigorated approach to counter terrorism and extremist elements in the country. The purpose of the operation is to eliminate terrorism and extremism from the country It addresses internal security threats as well as those emanating from Afghanistan. The operation aims to combat violence and terrorism through enhanced countermeasures, diplomatic engagements, increased coordination between the armed forces and Law Enforcing Agencies (LEA’s), and strict legislative actions.
Pakistan ranks as the fourth most affected country by terrorism in the world. In 2023, data from an Islamabad based research center documented 789 terror attacks and counter operations, leading to 1,524 deaths and 1,463 injuries. The anti–state groups like Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamic State Khorasan often took the responsibility of such attacks. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a 60% upsurge in terror attacks.
Accusations have arisen that the Taliban government assists the TTP, providing them with shelter and support. Although, these accusations have been denied by the Taliban government. In March of this year, Pakistan carried out airstrike on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, underscoring its role in carrying out any action deemed necessary to counter cross border terrorism.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has challenged the writ of the state for years and it is the largest armed group in the province of Balochistan. In 2023, the group carried out 110 terror attacks. Similarly, in the first quarter of 2024, Pakistan has recorded 62 terrorist attacks across the country, some targeting foreign nationals, especially Chinese citizens.
The establishment of Taliban government in Afghanistan has increased the capability and the lethality of BLA. In response, Pakistan’s armed forces in collaboration with other LEA’s have taken effective counter measures mitigate the threats posed by the BLA. These involve increased Intelligence Based Operation (IBO’s), talks with the involved stake holders, and strict regulations on movement and transportations.
Past Military Operations and Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
In 2014, Pakistan launched the operation “Zarb-e-Azb” in North Waziristan to clear the area from terrorist activities. According to estimates, 19,000 IBO’s were conducted, leading to the restoration of peace in a 4,000 square kilometer area.
Likewise, in 2017 at the end of Zarb-e-Azb a new operation named “Raddul-Fasaad” commenced in order to counter the resurgence of new terrorist in the country. It aimed to indiscriminately eliminate all the terrorists and actors that threatened Pakistan’s national security.
Moreover, the fencing of westerns borders of Pakistan was also a part of this operation that created many positive results. Both operation Zarb-eAzb and Radd-ul-Fasaad proved to be successful and effective in fighting against terrorism and enhancing Pakistan’s national security. As a result of which, country saw relatively peaceful time.
The resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan following the Taliban’s takeover and internal political chaos gave space to anti-state and terrorist activities nationwide. Organizations like the TTP and BLA have intensified their attacks in recent months.
In order to counter the menace of TTP and BLA, the government of Pakistan has announced the operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a revitalization of operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. It aims to enhance coordination between different sectors of the government and synchronize their efforts in curbing terrorism and extremism in Pakistan. It calls for the Pakistani government to diplomatically convince the Taliban government to cut their support for anti-Pakistan groups such as the TTP from their soil.
The operation intends to carry out strong legislative actions by formulating rigorous border control and visa policies. Moreover, operation Azm-eIstehkam is in harmony with the tenants of “Pakistan’s National Narrative against Terrorism and Extremism” that considers the conduct of operation against religiously motivated and non-religious terrorist groups as legitimate and regards investment in security of a state as an investment in the economy.
Prospective Outcomes of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
The operationalization of Azm-e-Istehkam will certainly enhance the security landscape of Pakistan. The eradication of terrorism within the country promises to unlock economic opportunities both internationally and domestically. Countries with secure environments are intrinsically attractive to foreign investors, fostering conditions conducive to economic growth.
During the third Pakistan-China Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM), Liu Jianchao Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) highlighted that the existing security situation in Pakistan has posed a significant barrier to Chinese investments. Moreover, Pakistan’s strategic geographical position provides crucial access to the Arabian Sea for Central Asian states, further enhancing the region’s confidence in the trade relations with a terrorism-free Pakistan. The elimination of terrorism in Pakistan will provide path to formulate less strict domestic policies. The inter-provincial trade will be boosted with less security check points spread all over the country. Currently, many routes in the country are considered to be dangerous as they pass through some conflicting area. Once the issues have been resolved and terrorist eliminated, these routes will provide short, cheaper, and more convenient transportation for moving goods with in the country.
