New Counterterrorism Campaign in Pakistan: Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

Summary:
In response to escalating terrorist attacks, Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership has launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability), a comprehensive counterterrorism campaign. Approved during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, this initiative aims to address terrorism through intensified military actions, legislative reforms, and regional cooperation. The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, bordering Afghanistan, are currently the most affected areas. The campaign also focuses on protecting Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, crucial for maintaining strong bilateral relations and ensuring continued Chinese investment. Learning from past operations, Azm-e-Istehkam seeks to minimize collateral damage and incorporate community concerns to foster public support. The success of this multi-faceted strategy depends on adapting past lessons, addressing legal gaps, and enhancing regional collaboration to decisively combat terrorism and ensure national stability.