Days after CNN-News18’s report on the use of Chinese money to maintain security in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and consequently foment trouble in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Pakistan government has announced operation ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ in civilian areas. According to their official press release, it is in consensus with all stakeholders, including the Provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Top Indian intelligence sources said this was Pakistan’s open confession that terror groups existed in Pakistan.
“Pakistan has confessed it needs bribe to eradicate terror groups. This time, the bribe is given by China,” said Indian intelligence sources.
The Pakistan’s release said the forum reviewed measures to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Following the Prime Minister’s approval, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were issued to relevant departments to provide comprehensive security to Chinese citizens in Pakistan. According to sources, this will be done by the Pakistan army on civilian areas with the help of Police and local support.
AZM-E-ISTEKAM FOR SECURITY OF CHINESE CITIZENS IN PAK?
Pakistan PM’s Office said the move symbolized their resolve to eradicate extremism and terrorism from the country. “Azm-e-Istehkam will integrate and synergize multiple lines of effort to combat the menaces of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner,” the release said.
The PMLN government said the CPEC money inflow was important. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) partners are upset due to this operation which is starting on the directions of China. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the operation, declaring it a “destabilising initiative” that will further weaken Pakistan. “This is not Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, but rather operation “Adm-e-Istehkam”, which will make Pakistan even more vulnerable,” he said.
He also questioned the army. “What is the Apex Committee? At the tehsil level, a major; at the district level, a colonel; at the provincial level, a corps commander; and at the federal level, the army chief. When a uniformed officer is present, who will make the decisions?”
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also questioned this move and sought Parliament confidence on this issue
On the other hand, terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Islam also condemned it.
INDIAN INTEL SOURCES SAY
“Pakistan Prime Minister has to launch an operation after coming back from China, when Chinese side told him that consider CPEC as a closed chapter. Pakistan has accepted in writing that the fight against extremism and terrorism is Pakistan’s war and is absolutely essential for the nation’s survival and well-being and this survival is money which is a gift,” said intelligence sources.
“This is survival operation by the Pakistan Army and government. With this, they will divert funds for more attacks in Kashmir,” they said.
Comments
0 comment