ISLAMABAD: The Corps Commanders on Friday noted with concern the unwarranted criticism by some quarters and deliberate misrepresentation of the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” (Resolve for Stability), only for furthering their vested interests.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir presided over 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the GHQ.
According to an ISPR announcement, the Corps Commander Conference undertook a comprehensive review of internal and external security situation of the country and had detailed discussion on various aspects of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, which is aimed at “harnessing the national counter terrorism efforts in a synchronised manner to dismantle the nexus of terrorism and illegal spectrum in the country for enduring stability and economic prosperity.”
The forum also deliberated upon regional security situation, especially Afghanistan and reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security.
The forum affirmed that military leadership is cognisant of the full spectrum of the challenges and resolved to shoulder its constitutionally mandated responsibilities with support of the resilient people of Pakistan.
The forum underscored that onslaught of politically motivated digital terrorism, unleashed by conspirators, duly abetted by their foreign cohorts against state institutions is meant to induce despondency in the nation and sow discord through peddling of blatant lies, fake news and propaganda.
However, the Armed Forces along with the nation are fully aware of all such machinations and stand united and committed in defeating the notorious designs of the enemies of Pakistan, the ISPR said.
The forum reiterated to continue full support of ongoing efforts in uplifting the socioeconomic growth and wholeheartedly assisting the government in curbing all illegal activities which hamper investors’ confidence, economic stability and growth.
Expressing full satisfaction on army’s commitment to national security, the COAS stressed upon maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational preparedness.
To conclude, General Asim remarked that the Pakistan Army has always been fully prepared to thwart all internal and external challenges and play its due role in the stability and prosperity of Pakistan, regardless of the challenges posed.
Forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhada of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and the citizens who have laid their lives for peace and stability in the country.
The forum expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine.
The forum condemned serious human rights violations, war crimes and genocide being perpetrated in Kashmir and Gaza.
Meanwhile, talking to reporters during a hearing of a case at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder chairman Imran Khan said that his party would participate in the All-Parties Conference (APC) in which the government is expected to take political parties into confidence over Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
“My party will participate in the all-parties conference and hear what the government has to say,” the PTI founder told reporters.
The PTI founder, while noting that his party has reservations over the new anti-terrorism action, said it would “only lead to further instability” in the country.
Imran’s comments came after Geo News reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to organise an APC “to gain political parties’ confidence” in Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
PM Shehbaz will hold consultations to decide on the date of the APC, the sources said, adding that the date would be announced later.
However, opposition parties including the PTI, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUIF), Awami National Party (ANP), and others have voiced concerns over the military operation, demanding that parliament must be taken into confidence before taking any such decision.
Addressing a press conference at the CM House in Quetta, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, meanwhile, said that the party would send its representatives to the APC being convened by the federal government to evolve consensus on the Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
He said that the PPP would put forward its stance regarding the situation in Balochistan.
“PPP is in favour of reaching a consensus on all matters pertaining to the country, including fighting terrorism, since we have our own policy and a strong commitment to eliminating terrorism from the nation. The APC will provide an opportunity for all political parties to express their opinions,” he said.
Bilawal emphasised the need for developing consensus on the national issues, terming it crucial for continuity of the democratic process and stability of the country.
Meanwhile, speaking to a private news channel, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif welcomed the PTI decision to join the APC.
He noted that the government had extended invitations to PTI for talks in the past, and this offer remains open.
Asif highlighted that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President Nawaz Sharif had always kept the doors of negotiations open, demonstrating political insight.
He said that while previous efforts at dialogue were boycotted, PTI’s current willingness to engage is a positive development.
“The participation of every small and big political party in the APC convened on the issue of national security is among the priorities of the government,” Asif stated.
He emphasised that addressing terrorism was a national issue that should transcend political differences.
Separately, addressing the press conference in Islamabad, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has confirmed media reports that the federal government is planning to hold an APC to evolve a broader consensus on Operation Azm-e-Istehkam and also ‘welcomed’ Imran Khan’s statement signalling to attend the key huddle.
“Certainly, consultation is underway with the allies … to summon the APC regarding Azm-e-Istehkam,” he said.
Tarar said the government held the first round of consultation with the allies regarding the operation and any further development in this regard would be shared with the media.
Referring to the PTI founder’s statement on APC, Tarar hoped that Imran Khan would stand by his statement to attend the government-hosted huddle.
The information minister said that all political parties should be taken on board over the new operation as it concerned the entire country.
“Progress is being made and consultation is underway,” Tarar said of the government’s efforts to muster consensus on the APC.
