Operation Azm-e-Istehkam will bring peace and stability: Khawaja Asif
Pakistan
Says the operation will be launched in consultation with political parties
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Operation Azm-e-Istehkam would be launched in consultation with political parties and stakeholders to bring complete peace and stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan.
Peace and stability are vital for boosting economic and business activities in Pakistan, particularly in KP and Balochistan, he told a private television channel.
Pakistan had carried out many operations in the past to flush out terrorists and terrorism, he said, adding "we have achieved a great success while fighting war on terror."
"Although it was not our war, we had to fight to wipe out terrorism from this part of the region to bring peace and tranquility besides restoring economic activity in Pakistan," he said.
The terrorists had been operating from Afghan soil to sabotage peaceful environment of our country, he said.
Pakistan had made a lot of sacrifices while fighting war on terror but the Afghan authorities never acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan for peace in the region. The terrorists have roots and hideouts in some parts of Afghanistan and the operation is still continuing there against them, he said.
Answering a question, he said: "We will bring the policy to parliament regarding operation Azm-e-Istehkam to achieve objectives of peace, stability and economic activities in Pakistan."
Commenting on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder's cases, he said courts would decide the cases of Imran Khan.
In reply to a question regarding the statement of United States on general elections, he said, "No one is allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of our country."
About the role of China, he said China wanted to make Pakistan stable, vibrant and economically independent state.
On Friday, Khwaja Asif spoke on the floor of the National Assembly and said Pakistan had every right to retaliate in case of terrorism from Afghan soil. He said the Afghan soil was being used to target places in Pakistan and "we reserve the right to hit back".
He also slated the opposition for being ambiguous.
