RAWALPINDI: Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, stated on Friday that his party would attend the upcoming all-parties conference, where the government plans to brief political parties on Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
“We will participate in the APC and listen to the government’s presentation,” Khan told reporters during his appearance at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, where he is currently detained.
Acknowledging PTI’s reservations regarding the new anti-terrorism initiative, Khan expressed concerns that it could “potentially exacerbate instability” in the country.
The government’s reinvigorated national counter-terrorism effort, focusing on intelligence-based operations, comes amid a surge in terrorist activities.
Khan’s remarks followed reports that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif intends to convene an APC “to garner political parties’ support” for Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
Sources indicated that the Prime Minister would consult to finalize the APC’s date, which would be announced in due course.
Last week, the federal cabinet approved the launch of the counter-terrorism operation following recommendations from the Central Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, aimed at intensifying efforts against militants targeting Pakistan.
However, opposition parties, including PTI, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F), and Awami National Party (ANP), have raised objections, urging the government to brief parliament before implementing such measures.
Responding to criticism, the Prime Minister’s Office clarified that “no large-scale military operation” was underway in the country.
“The newly announced strategy for sustainable stability, named Azm-e-Istehkam, is being misinterpreted and should not be compared to earlier kinetic operations such as Zarb-e-Azb, Rah-e-Najaat, etc.,” stated a release issued by the PMO on June 24.
The federal government emphasized that there are no longer any no-go areas in Pakistan, as previous operations had significantly degraded terrorist capabilities to carry out large-scale organized attacks within the country.
