Federal cabinet approves national counter-terrorism plan amid opposition concerns

The federal cabinet on June 25 approved the decisions of the National Action Plan's Central Apex Committee, including the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a renewed national counter-terrorism drive aimed at intensifying intelligence-based operations against terrorists.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured that the operation would not cause disruptions or raids on civilian homes, Caliber.Az, citing foreign media.

This decision follows the Apex Committee's recent endorsement of the operation to tackle militants targeting Pakistan.

The Prime Minister's Office emphasized that the operation, supported by all stakeholders including provinces, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, would not require mass displacement of populations, unlike previous military operations.

However, opposition parties, including PTI and JUI-F, have expressed concerns, demanding parliamentary approval. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif pledged to address these concerns and build consensus among the parties.

Shehbaz Sharif clarified that Azm-e-Istehkam is not a new armed operation but a multi-domain initiative targeting terrorism and extremism without displacing residents. The government issued statements to dispel misconceptions, asserting that no large-scale military operation would occur.

In response, PPP leader Raza Rabbani called for a Parliamentary Committee on National Security to review the plan and ensure any related legislation respects constitutional rights.