Islamabad: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States has formally requested Washington’s assistance in providing small arms and modern equipment to bolster Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, a newly approved counter-terrorism initiative aimed at dismantling terrorist networks within the country.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s Federal government authorized this intensified national counter-terrorism effort. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the operation would not involve large-scale military operations or displacement of local populations, as reported by Dawn.
“Pakistan has launched Azm-i-Istehkam to oppose and dismantle terrorist networks. For that, we need sophisticated small arms and communication equipment,” stated Ambassador Khan during a presentation at the Wilson Centre in Washington, addressing US policymakers, scholars, intelligentsia, and corporate leaders.
During a subsequent question-and-answer session, Ambassador Khan outlined the operation’s threefold approach: doctrinal, societal, and operational. He indicated that the first two phases are already underway, with the third phase set to commence soon.
Emphasizing the importance of strong security ties and enhanced intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, Khan underscored their critical role in regional security amidst the escalating threat of terrorism, which impacts the interests of both nations and their allies.
Khan also highlighted the promising prospects for US-Pakistan relations, emphasizing shared values and interconnected security and economic interests that strengthen bilateral ties.
Additionally, he called upon the United States to collaborate on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in Kabul and to join forces in promoting counterterrorism measures and advancing the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
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“In this era of renewed strategic competition, the US and Pakistan should expand existing partnerships and explore new avenues to define mutual interests,” stated Masood Khan. “Our engagement must be grounded in reality, focusing on stronger security and economic cooperation, while not allowing isolated issues to overshadow our broader relationship.”
While expressing support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, the US State Department issued a cautious response regarding the provision of arms, emphasizing the importance of combating terrorism while upholding human rights.
“We support Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of its citizens in a manner that upholds the rule of law and protects human rights,” stated State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a press briefing. He condemned recent incidents of violence, including the lynching in Madyan, stressing the need for Pakistan to address human rights abuses, including concerns related to blasphemy laws.
“We continue to urge Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion, expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” Miller affirmed.
