Bilal Ahmed 
understanding-azm-e-istehkam-pakistans-new-vision-for-stability
The phrase Azm-e-Istehkam is another new arrangement formulated by the government of Pakistan for revitalizing the country and ensuring it becomes more secure. It is a plan to fast forward the way Pakistan emerges from terrorism and extremism to destruction. It is not necessarily a new war strategy, at best it is a way through which the strategies already in place will be effective.
On previous occasions, Pakistan conducted several large-scale military operations such as Zarb-e-Azab and Rah-e-Najaat. Such operations entailed mobilizing huge forces to regions where the terrorists were known to be CLOD. This led to people in these areas having to flee their homes during these operations.
Azm-e-Istehkam is different. It does nothing of scale – and no moving around of masses of people, and no large-scale military initiatives. However, it is centered on employing intelligence and cooperation with other governmental organizations in identifying and containing terrorist groups.
The large-scale operations served to eject terrorists from their lairs, so to speak. However, there is no large area of Pakistan that is colored with terrorists these days. But, there are still some who are bent on creating trouble to lesser degrees.
Azm-e-Istehkam has a mission to look for these few remaining terrorists and apprehend them. It also wants to “deradicalise” people who are not already terrorists, by avoiding the circumstances that lead to extremism.
What does Azm-e-Istehkam include?
This new plan involves many different parts of the government working together. It includes:
1. Political efforts: Working on laws and policies to prevent terrorism.
2. Diplomatic work: Cooperating with other countries to fight terrorism.
3. Legal actions: Using the courts to prosecute terrorists and their supporters.
4. Information sharing: Improving how different agencies share information about terrorists.
5. Continued operations: Keeping up the ongoing work of police and other security agencies.
How will it help Pakistan?
The main aim and objective of Azm-e-Istehkam is to ensure safety and security for Pakistan. By neutralizing terrorists and solving the roots of terror, the government wants to enhance the living conditions for the country’s development along with the improvement of the economy.
This plan will, therefore, be aimed at supporting the ongoing efforts and establishing permanent peace and security in the state. This demonstrates active measures taken by the government and proves that it is serious about countering terrorism in any of its manifestations, not only with the help of weapons.
Thus, Azm-e-Istehkam descends as the more extended narrative of countering terrorism in Pakistan. It is a much broader strategy that is focused on other things and not operations that help contain extremism. As the public is engaged through many facades of the government and civil society, this plan is to foster a safe and secure Pakistan for every person in the country.
