On Saturday, the federal government approved a revitalized national counter-terrorism initiative, Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, which signifies the country’s commitment to eliminating extremism and terrorism.
This campaign was initiated with unanimous support from all stakeholders, including the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was made during a Central Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“AZM-E-ISTEHKAM will integrate and synergize multiple lines of effort to combat the menaces of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner,” read the press statement issued by the PM’s office.
“In the politico- diplomatic domain, efforts will be intensified to curtail the operational space for terrorists through regional cooperation. The renewed and full blown kinetic efforts of the armed forces will be augmented by full support from all Law Enforcement Agencies, empowered by effective legislation to address legal voids that hinder effective prosecution of terrorism-related cases and award of exemplary punishments to them,” it added.
