In the past two and a half months, Pakistan has been carrying out a new counterterrorism operation called Azm-i-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) to tackle the rising security threats in the country. However, recent data from the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) shows that the security situation has not improved. In fact, there has been an increase in the number of terrorist attacks in some parts of Pakistan, with 59 attacks reported in August compared to 38 in July. This has raised concerns not only within Pakistan but also in China, especially regarding the safety of Chinese citizens and workers in Pakistan.
The majority of these attacks have taken place in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, resulting in numerous casualties. The ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government is under immense pressure to address the growing security concerns, but it is facing challenges in curbing terrorism effectively. The military establishment’s insistence on a no-peace dialogue policy with extremist groups and human rights activists has further complicated the situation, leading to heightened tensions among various political parties and provincial leaders.
Under the new military campaign, General Syed Asim Munir has gained more power over civilian institutions and has been able to secure additional funding without parliamentary discussions. This lack of accountability has raised concerns among human rights groups, who fear that ethnic minorities in Pakistan are now more vulnerable to targeted attacks and enforced disappearances by security agencies. Despite General Munir’s promises of success, there is a growing sense of disillusionment among the public regarding the anti-terrorism operation’s outcomes.
General Munir’s attempts to shift blame onto Pakistan’s political class and external actors like Afghanistan or Iran have not been well-received, both domestically and internationally. China, a key partner in Pakistan’s economic development, has expressed concerns about the security situation in the country, particularly in Balochistan. During high-level meetings, Chinese officials have stressed the importance of enhancing security protocols to ensure the success of projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The failure of Azm-i-Istehkam to curb terrorism has only further underscored the urgent need for effective security measures.
With the security situation in Pakistan showing no signs of improvement, the pressure on the military establishment to address the growing challenges is mounting. General Munir and his commanders may continue to search for internal and external reasons to deflect blame and conceal their incompetence. However, with the public increasingly skeptical of the Army’s narrative, there is a risk of further instability in the country. It is crucial for all stakeholders to come together and work towards a comprehensive and effective strategy to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or background.
