Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: Pakistan’s Latest Counterterrorism Campaign
Introduction
On June 23, Pakistan announced a new military operation, Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability), to reinvigorate its counterterrorism campaign amid a surge in militant violence from neighboring Afghanistan. This operation comprises two key components: Strategic and diplomatic. The Strategic component aims to dismantle terrorist networks, while the diplomatic component focuses on pressuring the Taliban regime to stop harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and evolving a regional approach
Objectives of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam aims to counter domestic security threats and armed fighters crossing over from Afghanistan amidst rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. The prime minister’s office announced plans to “intensify” efforts against “terrorists” through regional cooperation. The campaign will also include socioeconomic measures to address the population’s concerns and create an environment discouraging extremist tendencies
“The campaign will be complemented by socioeconomic measures aimed at addressing genuine concerns of the people and creating an environment that discourages extremist tendencies,” stated a release from the prime minister’s office (PMO)
Why Now?
Increased Violence and Afghanistan's Role
The announcement comes amid a dramatic increase in violent incidents over the past 18 months, mostly claimed by the TTP. The TTP ended a ceasefire in November 2022, and Pakistan has accused Kabul of harboring TTP members, a charge the Taliban government denies. Analysts predict potential escalations if Pakistan’s operation extends into Afghanistan.
Terrorist Attacks: Al Jazeera Report
According to available data, Pakistan witnessed nearly 1,000 casualties from almost 700 incidents of violence in 2023, with most attacks occurring in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern province of Balochistan, often targeting law enforcement personnel. Violent attacks have continued in 2024, including incidents targeting Chinese installations and personnel in both northern and southern regions. An attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in March resulted in the deaths of at least five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani.
Addressing Chinese Concerns
The operation also addresses concerns from China, a key ally and investor in Pakistan’s infrastructure through the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The security of Chinese nationals and projects has become critical following multiple attacks, including the death of five Chinese engineers in March 2024.
We need to improve security and the business environment. In Pakistan’s case, the primary factor shaking the confidence of Chinese investors is the security situation,” stated Liu Jianchao, a senior Chinese official, during his visit to Pakistan
Old Wine in a New Bottle
Like its predecessor Radd-ul-Fasaad, Azm-e-Istehkam raises more questions than it answers. It is essentially old wine in a new bottle, with a new name added to a long list of military operations that aimed to eliminate terrorism. This pattern suggests that while the intent to counter terrorism is renewed, the fundamental challenges and obstacles remain largely unchanged. The operation’s success will depend on addressing these persistent issues with fresh strategies and more effective implementation.
How Azm-e-Istehkam is Different
Despite similarities to past operations, Azm-e-Istehkam stands out in several respects:
New Geopolitical Environment
Azm-e-Istehkam has been announced in an environment wherein the U.S. has left Afghanistan, and there is no international funding available for counterterrorism campaigns. For cash-strapped Pakistan, which is surviving on the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s bailout packages, funding a new kinetic campaign is going to be a tall order.
Cross-Border Terrorism
In previous operations, terrorist networks operated from within Pakistan. Now, they are based in Afghanistan and Iran. Irrespective of the efficacy of local operations, as long as terrorist sanctuaries in Iran and Afghanistan are not eliminated, terrorism will persist in one form or another.
Political Polarization
The operation has been announced at a time when the Pakistani polity is polarized, and the state-society gap is alarmingly high. Major political parties from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province most affected by militancy, have opposed the military operation, fearing large-scale displacement. They have urged the government to focus on political rather than military solutions to end militancy in Pakistan.
Evolving Militancy
The current phase of militancy in Pakistan is markedly different from its previous iterations ideologically, operationally, and strategically. The Taliban’s takeover had a rejuvenating impact on groups like TTP, which has restructured its organizational framework and tactics along the Taliban’s insurgency model. These changes have transformed the face of militancy in Pakistan, necessitating a generational approach for restoring peace and stability
Implementation Challenges
Pakistan has initiated several counterterrorism and counter-extremism initiatives in the past that looked comprehensive on paper, but poor implementation undermined their efficacy. Currently, Pakistan is going through a turbulent political period, and its economy is in the doldrums. Against this backdrop, a judicious implementation of Azm-e-Istehkam seems difficult. Pakistan lacks the political will and institutional wherewithal required to meaningfully push back against militancy.
Conclusion
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam represents Pakistan’s renewed effort to combat terrorism and ensure stability. While it faces significant challenges, both internally and externally, its success depends on effective implementation, regional cooperation, and addressing the root causes of militancy
