Khawaja Asif says PTI ‘siding’ with terrorists after party opposes ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ op

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif on Sunday accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of siding with terrorists against the military.

This event occurs one day after “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam,” aimed at combating terrorism and extremism nationwide, was approved by the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Important federal cabinet officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Law, and the Minister of Information, attended the meeting on Saturday in Islamabad.

Attendees included top civilian, military, and law enforcement authorities, chief secretaries, chief ministers from all provinces, and chief ministers from Gilgit-Baltistan.

The roundtable reviewed the state of internal security and the current counterterrorism effort in great detail. It looked at how well the multi-domain concepts of the National Action Plan were being implemented and pointed out areas that needed improvement. The need of resolving these issues first was emphasized.

Asif was given the opportunity to comment on the budget on Sunday at a National Assembly (NA) session presided over by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

The Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), which is supported by the PTI, protested after hearing his comments. They chanted slogans criticizing the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) operation and the death of Pashtuns.

“PTI is standing with terrorists against the army,” Asif said.

“The voice of minorities in Pakistan is being silenced,” he continued. Murders occur in Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Swat. It is not acceptable to tolerate killing in the name of faith.”

He said that PTI members and the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) attended the Apex Committee meeting when the decision to launch Operation Azm-e-Istehkam was reached.

Under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan authorized “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam” yesterday with the goal of eradicating extremism and terrorism nationwide.

Asif stated: “In this home, we will talk about Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. PTI is free to voice any concerns at that point. They are protesting against the army and in favor of terrorists today.”

Asif said that the Apex Committee had authorized the continuation of previously unfinished operations, confirming the start of Operation Istikham-e-Pakistan. This decision would be presented to the cabinet and subsequently to the parliament.

PTI and SIC protested by leaving the house during today’s NA session after they were not given the chance to speak on the floor.

In a post-walkout media conference, PTI said that the military has to have parliament’s approval before starting operations.

What is Operation Azm-e-Istehkam?

Activity Azm-e-Istehkam means to annihilate radicalism and psychological warfare unequivocally and thoroughly. It will organize and adjust endeavors across different fronts to address the dangers, while increasing endeavors to check fear monger exercises through provincial collaboration inside the political and strategic circles.

The activity will reinforce the military’s reestablished and lively endeavors with full help from all policing. Powerful regulation will be instituted to close lawful escape clauses that ruin the indictment of illegal intimidation related cases, guaranteeing praiseworthy disciplines for wrongdoers.

This mission will be supplemented by financial measures pointed toward tending to the certifiable worries of the general population and establishing a climate that puts fanatic propensities down.

The gathering emphasized that the battle against radicalism and psychological warfare is Pakistan’s own fight, critical for the country’s endurance and government assistance. It was concluded that nobody would be permitted to challenge the state’s position without repercussions.

The gathering additionally surveyed measures to guarantee idiot proof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Following the top state leader’s endorsement, new Standard Working Methodology (SOPs) were given to improve the security structure for Chinese residents in the country.