Pakistan has started a new military operation called Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve of Durable Stability) to fight Islamist extremism and terrorism. This is the twelfth major operation since 2007, following many smaller ones. Previous operations, like Rah-E-Rast, Rah-E-Haq, and Sherdil, focused on specific areas. Larger operations like Zarb-E-Azb and Radd-Ul-Fassad aimed to destroy terrorist networks across the country. Azm-e-Istehkam aims to stop the rise of Islamist terror networks that have grown stronger after the US left Afghanistan, with some help from Pakistan.

Operation Specifics

The operation intends to employ full-scale military efforts, supported by law enforcement and legislative measures to ensure effective prosecution and punishment of terrorists. Each military operation reflects the approach of the current Army chief. The coming weeks will reveal the military strategy of the current Army Chief, Gen Asim Munir.

China's Influence

This operation, like previous ones, appears to be influenced by China. In 2007, the Lal Masjid operation was launched under Chinese pressure after Islamist radicals attacked Chinese workers. Similarly, Zarb-e-Azb was partly aimed at reassuring China by targeting Uyghur militants. Recently, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong stressed the need for another Zarb-e-Azb-like operation against terrorist groups threatening Chinese interests. Attacks on Chinese workers, such as the March suicide bombing targeting Chinese engineers, have increased Chinese demands for improved security in Pakistan.

Economic Implications

Chinese investments in Pakistan face risks due to safety worries. It has a major impact on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Future Chinese funds depend on Pakistan keeping Chinese workers safe. When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif went to Beijing, Chinese leaders stressed the need for political stability and safety to continue CPEC projects. The worsening security has scared Chinese investors, leading to strong warnings from Chinese officials about the dangers to CPEC collaboration.

Challenges and Complications

Political disagreements and controversial elections hinder large anti-terror operations. These actions are costly and strain Pakistan’s weak economy, deterring investors. Military operations may increase violence, destabilising Pakistan and scaring off investors. The economic crisis needs urgent attention, and major terror attacks could ruin recovery chances. Pakistan might get stuck in the Afghan conflict due to Taliban ties. Pakistan faces contradictions in fighting terrorism. It supports jihad against India while combating similar groups in Pakistan. This complicates the efforts. Rising fundamentalism and flawed strategies worsen the situation.

Conclusion

Pakistan is in a critical situation. The need for a decisive military operation is pressing. However the country lacks political stability. Other pressing issues in the country are economic fragility and ideological confusion. Delaying action will only strengthen terrorist networks, making it harder to eradicate them. The future of Pakistan’s security and economic stability hinges on effectively balancing these complex challenges. Read more about this issue on a detailed article here.