What is Azm-e-Istehkam, Pakistan's new military operation tasked to take on TTP and other militant groups

Pakistan’s top leadership has approved a new military operation named Azm-e-Istehkam, or ‘Resolve for Stability,’ to address the surge in violence and terrorism. This initiative follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s review of the country’s counterterrorism operations, focusing on the National Action Plan adopted after the December 2014 Peshawar Army Public School attack, which resulted in over 140 deaths, mostly students.

Objectives of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam aims to counter domestic security threats and armed fighters crossing over from Afghanistan amidst rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. Sharif’s office announced plans to “intensify” efforts against “terrorists” through regional cooperation. The campaign will also include socioeconomic measures to address the population’s concerns and create an environment discouraging extremist tendencies.

“The campaign will be complemented by socioeconomic measures aimed at addressing genuine concerns of the people and creating an environment that discourages extremist tendencies,” stated a release from the prime minister’s office (PMO).

The military campaign will also ensure legal support from all law enforcement agencies, addressing voids that hinder prosecution and award exemplary punishments to terrorists. “The renewed and full-blown kinetic efforts of the armed forces will be augmented by full support from all Law Enforcement Agencies, empowered by effective legislation to address legal voids that hinder effective prosecution of terrorism-related cases and award of exemplary punishments to them,” according to the Pakistan PMO statement.

Increased Violence and Afghanistan's Role

The announcement comes amid a dramatic increase in violent incidents over the past 18 months, mostly claimed by the TTP. The TTP ended a ceasefire in November 2022, and Pakistan has accused Kabul of harboring TTP members, a charge the Taliban government denies. Analysts predict potential escalations if Pakistan’s operation extends into Afghanistan.

“In March, Pakistan even conducted cross-border strikes in Afghanistan against suspected Pakistani Taliban hideouts, which were publicly confirmed by the foreign office,” said Ihsanullah Tipu, an Islamabad-based security analyst. Tipu added that Islamabad views kinetic military actions as the most effective approach to counter armed violence.

Addressing Chinese Concerns

The operation also addresses concerns from China, a key ally and investor in Pakistan’s infrastructure through the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The security of Chinese nationals and projects has become critical following multiple attacks, including the death of five Chinese engineers in March 2024.

“We need to improve security and the business environment. In Pakistan’s case, the primary factor shaking the confidence of Chinese investors is the security situation,” stated Liu Jianchao, a senior Chinese official, during his visit to Pakistan. However, Asfandyar Mir, a South Asia expert at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), suggests that while Chinese concerns likely influenced Pakistani leadership, the timing of the new operation may be driven more by domestic politics and economic considerations.

Domestic Political and Economic Context

“Last year, Pakistan faced a near-default and underwent a contentious election amid significant domestic political turmoil. A large-scale military campaign was not feasible under those circumstances,” Mir noted. “With the election done and a government in place, and the economic situation stabilizing, at least relatively, Pakistani leadership probably feels confident that it has sufficient domestic political space and a modicum of economic stability now to pursue a vigorous campaign to address the deteriorating security situation.”

Challenges to the Operation’s Success

Despite the robust plans, there are concerns about the operation’s potential success. Abdul Sayed, a researcher on armed groups, pointed out that armed groups target security forces to undermine government interests while maintaining public support. Lack of public support in violence-affected provinces could hinder the operation’s effectiveness.

“The Pakistani Taliban do not have permanent bases in Pakistan; instead, they operate from makeshift ones, frequently changing locations. If Pakistan conducts cross-border operations in Afghanistan, it could escalate tensions between the two countries,” said Tipu.

Previous Operations

Since 2001, Pakistan's military has conducted many high-profile operations against homegrown militants in border areas, such as "Zarb-e-Azb," "Rah-e-Nijat," and "Rah-e-Rast." However, these efforts have failed to completely root out militant groups. Under pressure from China, the Pakistan government has approved Azm-e-Istehkam. This operation comes amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban rulers in Kabul.

“A soft state can never gain the trust of investors,” PM Shehbaz remarked. “The responsibility of the fight against terrorism is the collective duty and the primary obligation of all state institutions. It’s not about you and me, it’s about us, we have to trample it together.”

Ihsanullah Tipu, a security analyst, noted, "Pakistan views the use of active military force as the most effective approach to counter armed violence."

Asfandyar Mir of the US Institute of Peace said, "With the election done and a government in place, and the economic situation stabilizing, Pakistani leadership probably feels confident to pursue a vigorous campaign."