Operation Azam e istahkam:

Introduction:

"The military operations in Balochistan echo the paradox of force—

an unyielding cycle of oppression that silences voices while failing
to restore the harmony it seeks, leaving behind scars deeper than
the unrest it aims to quell."

Operation Azm-e-Istahkam is Pakistan's recently launched counterterrorism

initiative aimed at reinforcing stability and eliminating the threats of terrorism and
extremism within the country. Announced in 2024 under the leadership of Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif, this operation reflects a renewed commitment to addressing
militant activities, especially in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan,
and along the Afghanistan border.

It is a holistic approch that aimed at fosteering balance between kinetic and non
kinetic measures to combat the terrorism actively.

Objectives
1. Strengthen national qction plan

The National Action Plan (NAP) is a comprehensive strategy developed by Pakistan

to combat terrorism, extremism, and militancy, which was adopted in 2014 after the
tragic Peshawar school attack. It outlines 20 key points aimed at addressing security
concerns, judicial reforms, counterterrorism measures, and the protection of
vulnerable communities. The NAP seeks to enhance coordination between various
governmental and security agencies, implement stricter laws, and promote a multi-
dimensional approach to ensuring national security.

Strengthening Pakistan's National Action Plan (NAP)

in

Here are three arguments for how Pakistan could strengthen its NAP with respect to
security:

Measures to strength it

1. Reform Through Policy Measures

 Proposed Reform: Introduce comprehensive policies to address emerging security threats
like cyber terrorism, hate speech, and extremist propaganda on social media.
  Policy Action:
o Develop a national cybercrime strategy that enhances monitoring, surveillance, and
prosecution of digital extremist content.
o Expand deradicalization programs to include educational reforms promoting
tolerance and critical thinking in schools, particularly in vulnerable regions.
 Expected Impact: This ensures the legal and institutional framework evolves to combat
modern-day threats, creating a proactive rather than reactive approach.

2. Effective Coordination Between All Agencies

 Proposed Reform: Establish a centralized National Security Coordination Council to enhance
real-time intelligence sharing and streamline inter-agency operations.
 Policy Action:
o Develop integrated command centers linking military intelligence, civilian law
enforcement, and provincial authorities.
o Conduct joint training exercises and periodic drills to improve operational synergy
between agencies.
 Expected Impact: Greater collaboration among agencies will minimize duplication, reduce
operational gaps, and lead to quicker and more effective responses to security threats.

3. Flexibility to Adapt to Changing Circumstances

 Proposed Reform: Incorporate a dynamic review mechanism within the NAP to evaluate its
performance regularly and adapt to emerging challenges.
 Policy Action:
o Create a bi-annual review board comprising policymakers, security experts, and
representatives from civil society to assess NAP’s outcomes.
o Amend NAP components to include new priorities, such as climate-related security
risks or cross-border challenges.
 Expected Impact: This ensures the NAP remains relevant and effective as the security
landscape evolves, avoiding stagnation or ineffectiveness over time.

1. Kinetic Operations and Law Enforcement Integration

Kinetic operations refer to military actions that involve direct,

physical confrontation, typically using force to achieve tactical or
strategic objectives. These operations rely on the use of weapons,
firepower, and physical engagement in combat, as opposed to non-
kinetic approache
This objective focuses on utilizing military and paramilitary forces, alongside
civilian law enforcement agencies to launch precision-based operations targeting
terrorist strongholds. Pakistan has faced significant threats from Tehrik-i-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP), Baloch insurgents, and sectarian groups. To regain control:

 Special operations and surveillance are conducted in high-risk areas like Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Karachi.
 Military campaigns are supported by police, Counter-Terrorism Departments (CTD),
Rangers, and the Frontier Corps, ensuring that militants are neutralized at all levels.
 Coordination between military intelligence agencies (like ISI) and police ensures intelligence-
driven operations, reducing civilian casualties and improving efficiency.
 By using modern and effective weapons

Example: The recent crackdown on TTP hideouts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

illustrates the operational synergy between military units and law enforcement
agencies.

2. Unified National Narrative Against Terrorism and

Extremism

Creating a strong national narrative is essential to counter extremist ideologies and

reduce their influence, especially among youth. This objective involves:

 Media campaigns, education reforms, and public awareness initiatives that highlight the
negative impact of terrorism on society.
 Promoting narratives rooted in peace, tolerance, and Islamic principles that discourage
extremist interpretations.
 Engaging influential religious scholars (ulema) to refute misinterpretations of religious
teachings that are often exploited by terrorists.
 Social media platforms are also used to combat radicalization by promoting counter-
narratives against hate speech and extremism.

Example: The "Paigham-e-Pakistan" initiative, a fatwa by Islamic scholars, declared

suicide bombings un-Islamic and aligned with the broader aims of Operation Azm-e-
Istahkam.

3. Political Consensus and Governance Improvements

A coordinated response from federal, provincial, and military authorities is critical

to restoring peace and maintaining long-term stability. Key elements include:

 Improved collaboration between political parties and security agencies to ensure unity in
decision-making and action.
 Streamlining governance structures at the local level to ensure the effective delivery of basic
services—education, healthcare, and policing—in areas vulnerable to extremism.
 Empowering civil-military cooperation to ensure that military victories are consolidated
through strong governance.
Example: After military success in Swat Valley, governance initiatives helped restore
normalcy and prevent the resurgence of extremist elements.

4. Legislative Reforms to Improve Prosecution and

Accountability

Terrorist networks often exploit loopholes in legal frameworks, leading to weak

prosecution. This objective focuses on:

 Amending anti-terrorism laws to enhance the legal powers of law enforcement agencies and
courts.
 Establishing special tribunals for quick trials of terrorism-related cases to ensure
accountability.
 Strengthening anti-terror financing laws to disrupt funding channels of extremist groups.
 Developing mechanisms to monitor and regulate madrassas, ensuring they do not become
centers of radicalization.

Example: The Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) was amended to improve the tracking and
freezing of assets linked to terrorist financing.

5. Socio-Economic Measures to Address Root Causes

of Extremism

The operation emphasizes that military success must be supplemented with social and
economic development to prevent the re-emergence of extremist elements. This
involves:

 Infrastructure development in conflict-affected regions to enhance the quality of life for

residents.
 Job creation and skills development programs, especially for youth, to reduce their
vulnerability to extremist recruitment.
 Strengthening educational institutions by investing in modern curriculum reforms to reduce
ideological brainwashing.
 Ensuring the return of displaced persons to their homes with proper rehabilitation plans to
integrate them back into society.

Example: The development of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)

through special economic zones after military operations helped stabilize the region.

Background;

Over the past two decades, Pakistan has launched several military
operations to combat terrorism and militancy. Significant among
these are Operation Zarb-e-Azb (2014) and Operation Radd-ul-
Fasaad (2017). Zarb-e-Azb, carried out in North Waziristan, aimed
to dismantle terrorist networks and reclaim areas controlled by the
TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) and other militant groups. This
operation successfully reduced large-scale terrorist activities.
However, many militants regrouped elsewhere, leading to the
launch of Radd-ul-Fasaad, which focused on nationwide
intelligence-based operations to eliminate remaining militant
sleeper cells and prevent extremism. Despite these efforts, the
resurgence of militancy and challenges in border regions
necessitated the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istahkam as a
renewed initiative to sustain long-term stability.

Causes:

The announcement of Operation Azm-e-Istahkam was driven by several

interconnected factors threatening Pakistan's internal stability and security. Below are
the primary causes explained in detail:

1. Resurgence of Terrorist Groups

 TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) and other extremist groups re-emerged, exploiting regional
instability, especially after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
 Cross-border infiltration and attacks in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
intensified, targeting civilians and military personnel.
 These militant groups conducted urban terrorism, extortion, and targeted assassinations,
undermining national security.

Example: The 2023 Peshawar mosque bombing, which killed over 80 people, was a
stark reminder of the growing threat from TTP factions.

2. Increasing Insurgency in Balochistan

 Baloch separatist movements, such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), escalated attacks
on security forces and infrastructure, posing significant challenges to the state's authority in
Balochistan.
 Insurgents began targeting strategic economic installations, including CPEC-related projects,
posing a direct threat to regional economic development.
 The insurgency demanded a coordinated military response to stabilize the province and
protect development projects critical to national interests.
Example: Multiple attacks on Chinese nationals working on CPEC infrastructure
signaled an urgent need to secure the region.

3. Political Instability and Weak Governance

inequality in distribution of resources
 Political fragmentation and instability limited the government's ability to implement
security reforms effectively.
 The absence of consistent law enforcement policies enabled terrorist networks to regroup
and thrive in areas with weak state presence.
 Governance failures in conflict-prone areas also led to public dissatisfaction and gave
militant groups the opportunity to exploit local grievances.

Example: Delays in merging the former FATA region with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
allowed militant networks to re-establish control in tribal areas.

4. Failure of Previous Counter-Terrorism Measures

 Despite earlier military operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, the absence of
follow-up governance reforms allowed terrorist groups to resurface.
 Thhe avenging sentiments of terrorists
 Militants adopted new strategies, including low-intensity guerrilla warfare and suicide
attacks, making it difficult to eliminate them entirely.
 This highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and sustained approach—combining
military action with governance and development.


Example: After Operation Zarb-e-Azb's success in North Waziristan, the lack of

institutional reforms in cleared areas contributed to the return of militant activities.

5. Deteriorating Regional Security Dynamics

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Afghanistan
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 The Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan created a favorable environment for TTP and
other extremist groups to regroup and launch cross-border attacks.
 Geopolitical rivalries, such as growing tensions with India, further complicated Pakistan’s
security environment, requiring enhanced focus on internal threats.
 These external dynamics intensified the need for Pakistan to strengthen border security and
coordinate military operations more effectively.

Example: The porous Afghan-Pakistan border has been exploited by militants,

prompting the government to intensify military action in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Critics arise and lesson for future:

critics

Critics of Pakistan’s past military operations, such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb (2014)

and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad (2017), have raised several concerns regarding their
effectiveness and unintended consequences. Below are key points of criticism:

1. Displacement of Civilians
 Operations in tribal areas like North Waziristan led to the displacement of over one million
people. Many civilians were forced to flee to neighboring districts or live in harsh conditions
in camps.
 Critics argue that rehabilitation efforts were slow, leaving displaced families without
adequate housing, education, or healthcare for years.

2. Human Rights Violations

 Allegations of excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances
emerged. Human rights organizations have accused security forces of not distinguishing
between militants and civilians in some cases.
 There were also reports of indiscriminate airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties, raising
concerns about the conduct of operations.
 Extrajudicial killing
 Shoot at sight
 Indiscriinate air strikes and bombing
 Inhumane nature of operation

3. Short-term Gains, Limited Long-term Stability

 Although the operations successfully dismantled key militant networks, the root causes of
extremism—such as poverty, radicalization, and governance failures—remained
unaddressed.
 Critics argue that these operations only provided temporary relief, as many militant groups
resurfaced in new forms or relocated across the Afghan border.
 Failed to address the issues basic issues that led to the terrorism

4. Neglect of Political Solutions

 Observers argue that the operations focused heavily on military force without integrating
political dialogue or economic reforms. This created a vacuum in governance in cleared
areas, leaving room for militancy to return.
 The operations failed to engage with local tribal structures effectively, further alienating
communities.

5. Impact on Pakistan-Afghanistan and india Relations

 The military campaigns fueled tensions with Afghanistan, as Pakistan accused militants of
using Afghan territory as a safe haven, while Afghanistan criticized Pakistan for selective
action against certain militant groups.
  The lack of cross-border cooperation hindered the sustainability of the counterterrorism
efforts, making the results of operations fragile.

6. Economic Burden
 The military operations were expensive, diverting resources from essential sectors like
education and healthcare. The destruction in conflict zones also necessitated significant
funds for reconstruction.
 This financial burden, along with displacement issues, contributed to socioeconomic
instability in affected regions.

Lesson for future

Lessons from Pakistan’s previous military operations, such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-
ul-Fasaad, offer valuable insights for the future. Below are key takeaways:

1. Prioritize Civilian Protection and Rehabilitation

 Future operations should integrate humanitarian efforts to minimize civilian displacement
and casualties.
 A comprehensive rehabilitation strategy must be planned in advance, including housing,
education, and healthcare for displaced populations.

2. Adopt a Holistic long Approach to Counterterrorism

 Military action alone cannot eliminate terrorism; economic, social, and political reforms are
necessary to address the root causes of radicalization.
 There should be coordination between civilian and military institutions to ensure
sustainable development and governance in cleared areas.

3. Engage Local Communities and and Tribal

Structures
 Engaging local elders and tribal structures is essential for building trust, ensuring long-term
peace, and preventing militant re-emergence.
 Inclusive governance and the integration of affected regions into the mainstream political
system are crucial.

4. Strengthen Regional Cooperation

 Since militancy often crosses borders, enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries,
especially Afghanistan, is vital. A joint strategy can prevent militants from using border
regions as sanctuaries.

5. Develop Clear Political and Exit Strategies

 A clear political plan must accompany military operations to stabilize the region post-conflict
and prevent a governance vacuum.
  Having a timeline for transitioning from military to civilian control is necessary to ensure
smooth recovery and development.

6. Reducing root cause of the terrorism

7. Reduce Economic Burden through Targeted

Operations
 Future campaigns should focus on intelligence-based, targeted operations rather than
broad campaigns to reduce financial and social costs.
 Efforts should be made to attract international funding for reconstruction and development
in conflict-affected areas.

Implementing these lessons will ensure future military operations are more strategic,
sustainable, and aligned with long-term national interests.