Pakistan’s Ambassador has appealed to the United States to provide Islamabad with small arms and modern defense equipment in the wake of Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, which is a newly adopted counter-terrorism initiative. The decision to launch the operation took place on June 22 at Pakistan’s apex committee meeting of the National Action Plan, which is a strategy equipped in 2014 to terminate militancy in the country.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Says Operation Will Ensure No Displacement Of Local Population Takes Place
The federal government in Pakistan recently sanctioned the reinvigorated national counter-terrorism drive following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s confirmation that the drive would not be conducted as a large-scale military operation with no displacement of the local population. Directed to US policymakers and leaders, the Pakistani Ambassador said that the country will require small arms and communication equipment upon the launching of Azm-i-Istehkam to dismantle terrorist networks.
Operation Comprises Of Three Components
The operation will be executed on three levels – doctrinal, societal, and operational. The ambassador reported that the government has begun working on the first two components with an implementation process underway for the third phase. The ambassador while addressing the United States, emphasized Pakistan’s strong ties with them suggesting the maintenance of security longs and encouraging intelligence cooperation between the two nations. He further added that regional security and the rising cases of terrorism are concerns common between Pakistan and the US, threatening also the interests of the US and its allies. He also said that the two nations share values with common security and economic interests.
US Department Of State Shows Pakistan’s Efforts,
Earlier this week, the US Department of State expressed its support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism. They showed support for the Pakistani operation suggesting that no country should face the amount of terrorist attacks faced by Pakistan in recent times. Further adding, the safety and security of all citizens of a country must be ensured in a manner that ensures international rule of law and protection of human rights.