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Pakistan's Azm-e-Istehkam: Another Effort and Its Terrorist Ties

Pakistan's Operation Azm-e-Istehkam targets Afghan-based terrorism, facing scrutiny for selective engagement with extremists amid broader regional stability concerns.

By Srijan Sharma
New Update
Pakistan's security challenge

Pakistan's Azm-e-Istehkam: Another Effort and Its Terrorist Ties | Representative image | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

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Pakistan's Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, recently launched, is a counter-terrorism initiative aimed at quelling the surge of terrorist activities within its borders. This operation, strategically designed, targets various terrorist organisations, particularly those infiltrating from Afghanistan, with the goal of restoring stability in the country. 

Pakistan's history of counter-terrorism efforts dates back to the tragic Peshawar school attack a decade ago, which catalysed the implementation of the National Action Plan. While initially promising, the efficacy of these measures has been questioned, with critics labelling them as more symbolic than substantive, aimed at appeasing public anxieties rather than effecting real change.

Three critical questions persist regarding Pakistan's renewed counter-terrorism strategies: Firstly, why do these efforts often appear superficial? Secondly, why does the emphasis seem to prioritise tactical flexibility over whole-hearted commitment? And thirdly, perhaps most significantly, what motivates the country's occasional reluctance to rein in groups it has previously supported?

Geostrategic Imperatives vs. Radical Elements

Pakistan's national security strategy is deeply rooted in its rivalry with India, often articulated with references to nuclear escalation should certain thresholds be breached. Central to this strategy is Kashmir, where Pakistan sees its actions as a deterrent against India, using unconventional means such as support for insurgent activities. However, the country's engagement with terrorism extends beyond mere strategy, particularly concerning India.

The historical context, from Zia-ul-Haq's "Bleed India with Thousand Cuts" to more recent operations like Operation Tupac, highlights how radical elements within the country's military establishment have fostered and utilised terr

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