Latest news with #Azm-e-Istehkam
Shafaq News
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Pakistan: Over 30 militants killed in Afghan border clash
Shafaq News – Islamabad On Friday, Pakistan's army said its troops killed 33 militants while repelling a cross-border incursion from Afghanistan into North Waziristan. In a post on X, the Inter-Services Public Relations revealed that the fighters were intercepted and targeted with 'precise fire,' leaving weapons, ammunition, and explosives in their wake. The military alleged the group was 'Indian-sponsored.' On night 7/8 August 2025, movement of a large group of khwarij, belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwaraj, who were trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by the security forces in general area Sambaza, Zhob District of troops… — DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 8, 2025 The incident marks the latest in a series of deadly confrontations along the border. In April, security forces said they killed 54 militants in two days during operations near Hassan Khel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, part of Azm-e-Istehkam, a 2024 campaign of combat operations and socio-economic measures fighting militancy. Since 2017, Pakistan has bolstered the Durand Line—a 2,600-kilometer frontier with Afghanistan—with fencing, watchtowers, and surveillance systems to deter infiltration and smuggling, though cross-border raids persist.
Express Tribune
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt keeps military option open, says Siddiqui
This was revealed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Information Irfan Siddiqui on Tuesday. PHOTO: FILE The government's counter-terrorism approach has sparked debate within its own ranks as PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui asserted on Saturday that the government retains the option to launch an operation if needed just days after the interior ministry ruled out a fresh military offensive against terrorism. Stressing that terrorists cannot be allowed to roam freely and take innocent lives without facing consequences, the PML-N senator said that no major military operation was currently underway but the state has the authority to act wherever necessary to eliminate terrorism. The comments from PML-N's parliamentary leader in the Senate have come after Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry categorically stated that no new military operation was under consideration amid a broader debate on counter-terror strategies following a high-level security huddle – Parliamentary Committee on National Security meeting. At a Thursday news conference, Chaudhry had said a new military operation was not discussed at the parliamentary security moot, attended by PM Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief. He had asserted that Azm-e-Istehkam and the National Action Plan (NAP) would be enforced to combat terrorism. Chaudhry's remarks came to counter K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who had reportedly opposed any new offensive in the province. On Saturday, Senator Siddiqui also accused K-P CM Gandapur of attempting to turn the province into a safe haven for terrorists. "Terrorists cannot be allowed to roam freely, play havoc with innocent citizens and go scot-free," Siddiqui, who is the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, said in an interview on a private TV channel. "Will our armed forces wait for Gandapur's permission if, God forbid, any misadventure is launched on our western border," Siddiqui questioned. The senior PML-N leader said that former premier Imran Khan, in collaboration with the then military leadership, had brought back terrorists from Afghanistan and settled them in Pakistan, who have now become a major problem. When asked about the concept of a "hard state," as referred to by the army chief in the security committee meeting, Senator Siddiqui explained that those attacking the state and killing innocent Pakistanis will be dealt with an iron hand, and no leniency will be shown to them. Responding to another question, Senator Siddiqui clarified that a "hard state" simply means showing no mercy toward terrorists, their patrons, and those who glorify them on social media. He noted that the "chief of the army staff has represented the sentiments of the entire nation by taking this stance." Siddiqui lamented that even in the wake of events like May 9, the state unfortunately exhibited a soft approach. "In any other country," he said, "those involved in such despicable acts would have faced severe consequences." Senator Siddiqui said that the hijacking of the Jaffar Express was a gruesome act of terrorism, which was condemned by the entire world, including the United Nations Security Council. No one labelled it as nationalism or a struggle for fundamental rights, he said, adding everyone termed it terrorism. He, however, regretted that the leadership of a political party and its affiliated media launched a propaganda campaign, encouraging terrorists while attempting to incite hatred against the armed forces conducting the operation. On the issue of bad governance, Senator Siddiqui pointed out that the remarks were made regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where over 90% of terrorist incidents have occurred. During the meeting on national security, it was reported that the army chief had made remarks about bad governance by saying how long the governance gap be filled by the blood of martyrs.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
United we triumph over terror
PM Shehbaz Sharif announces the declaration of the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security in Islamabad. PHOTO: EXPRESS The Parliamentary Committee on National Security on Tuesday approved a unanimous declaration, reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms and vowing decisive action against elements threatening national stability. The country's top civil and military leadership reiterated this commitment during the first committee meeting under the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government. However, the meeting was boycotted by the key opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), among others. The committee emphasized that no institution, individual or group acting in collusion with hostile forces would be allowed to undermine Pakistan's peace and stability. While expressing regret over the absence of some opposition members, an official statement said that consultations on the matter would continue. The in-camera session, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, key federal ministers, parliamentarians and senior military officials. The military leadership provided a detailed briefing on the prevailing security situation, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). The meeting was informed about ongoing counterterrorism operations, recent threats and the state's comprehensive strategy to ensure internal security. Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his address, emphasised the government's resolve to eliminating terrorism, acknowledging the sacrifices of security forces. He expressed concern over the security challenges facing Balochistan and K-P, stating that national unity was imperative in countering these threats. The participants of the meeting said that the army chief delivered roughly an hour-long briefing, outlining the military's operational measures and intelligence-based actions against terrorist groups. In addition, they said, the director general of military operations supplemented the briefing through presentation on strategic countermeasures. According to the official statement, the committee, while strongly condemning the recent wave of terrorist activities, called for immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy to dismantle terrorist networks, curb logistical support and eliminate the nexus between terrorism and crime. The committee expressed serious concern over the increasing misuse of social media platforms by terrorist groups to spread propaganda, recruit followers and coordinate attacks, stressing the need for immediate measures to curb this abuse. It also emphasised the need to establish procedures to block digital networks of terrorists. The statement said that the committee appreciated the bravery, courage and professional expertise of the security forces and law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) in countering terrorism and reiterated Pakistan's unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms. The committee also expressed solidarity with the families of those affected by the terrorist activities. Shehbaz read out the declaration, which was unanimously adopted by the committee. The forum emphasised the need for a strategic and united political resolve to face the threat with the full strength of the state and called for national consensus in the fight against terrorism. Reaffirming its unwavering support for the armed forces and the LEAs, the committee acknowledged their immense sacrifices and resolve for the national defence, stating that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, police, FC and intelligence agencies in the war against terrorism. Meanwhile, it was reported that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur highlighted the province's security issues, calling for enhanced federal support and improved resource allocation for the merged tribal districts. He stressed the need for boosting the morale of police and security forces, mentioning ongoing efforts to increase their salaries. Additionally, the reports said, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed disappointment over PTI's absence from the meeting, stating that all political forces should have participated in the discussions concerning national security. Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari underscored the need for a strong diplomatic response to counter terrorist networks operating from Afghanistan. He warned that instability in Afghanistan was fuelling terrorism in Pakistan and urged for decisive engagement with international partners. The meeting concluded with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressing regret over the opposition's decision to skip the session, emphasising that security challenges required a collective response beyond political divides. The meeting of was called after security concerns escalated following a string of attacks, particularly in Balochistan, where militants recently hijacked a passenger train and carried out a suicide bombing on a security forces' convoy. Earlier, terrorists had attacked on Bannu Cantonment in K-P, where 16 terrorists were killed and five soldiers were martyred. Also, Maulana Hamidul Haw Haqqani was among six people who perished in a recent suicide attack at the Darul Uloom Haqqani in K-P's Nowshera district.
