Govt approves Operation Azm-i-Istehkam to root out terrorism
Pakistan
Apex committee reassures commitment to root out evil of terrorism
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The government on Saturday approved a comprehensive counter terror campaign named 'Operation Azm-i-Istehkam' to eradicate terrorism from the country.
The decision was made in the National Action Plan’s Apex Committee session headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Azm-i-Istehkam will integrate and synergise multiple lines of effort to combat the menaces of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner,” the PM's Office (PMO) said in a press release.
Addressing the Central Apex Committee, the Prime Minister reassured the nation that the menace of terrorism would be rooted out soon.
He said the wave of terrorism had engulfed the country for nearly 25 years and it had brought massive societal and economic costs.
Calling all stakeholders to collaborate with each other, he said “the war against terrorism is a joint duty of all institutions of the state as it is a battle for the survival of the country."
He added "the war against extremism is for the very existence of the state therefore we cannot afford to lose it."
Moreover, the premier highlighted that not only armed forces but all institutions, ministries and provinces are responsible for eradicating terrorism. The premier added that the role of federating units in this battle would be as crucial as that of the armed forces therefore, the former should also take initiative to tame the evil of terrorism.
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The PM said the rule of law was vital for the much-needed stability to bring about economic reforms to pull the country out of crisis.
“An unstable environment in any state will not win the trust of local investors, let alone foreign investors,” the premier cautioned.
All chief ministers, governors, chief secretaries, interior minister, defence minister, military officials and others joined the meeting.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the apex committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was postponed.
