National Campaign Vision and Opposition Dialogue

• Terms campaign as a national vision for multifaceted cooperation among security agencies and the entire state system
• Kh Aasif assures government will address concerns from JUI-F, ANP, and PTI

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has clarified the nature of the newly proposed counterterrorism campaign, Vision Azm-i-Istehkam, emphasizing that it focuses on intensifying ongoing intelligence-based operations rather than launching a large-scale, organized military offensive. This announcement comes amid strong opposition and misunderstandings regarding the campaign’s scope, particularly concerns about mass displacement.
During a federal cabinet meeting, PM Sharif clarified that Vision Azm-i-Istehkam represents a national vision involving multifaceted cooperation among various security agencies and the entire state system. The campaign aims to decisively eliminate terrorist remnants, criminal networks, and violent extremism across the country, augmenting the kinetic efforts of armed forces with legal and law enforcement support.
The opposition, including PTI, JUI-F, and ANP, have expressed reservations, demanding parliamentary consultation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif assured in Lahore that the government would address these concerns and seek consensus, emphasizing the non-political nature of the operation. He urged cooperation from all governmental, judicial, and media institutions, stressing that the campaign is a national effort.
Asif also highlighted the difference between the current situation and the conditions post-2014 Army Public School attack, noting that while certain regions like Dera Ismail Khan and Balochistan still witness terrorist activities, there is no widespread territorial control by terrorists. The campaign will proceed once it undergoes the necessary procedural approvals, including presentation before the federal cabinet and the National Assembly.