Every participant expected to be on board for the “Azm-e-Istehkam” operation: Sanaullah

Considering the tsunami of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and other areas, “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is need of the hour,” Rana Sanaullah remarked to a private television station.

He added: “We hope that all the political parties including Opposition would have the same opinion on launching the operation.” Opposition parties should present their point of view about operation at the forum of Parliament.

Speaking on communication with Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), he said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the floor of the house has given clear speech and proposed conversation with the PTI for addressing political concerns.

Declaring dismay over PTI founder Imran Khan’s hard attitude, Rana Sanaullah claimed his negative agenda is the primary obstacle in the negotiations process. He counseled PTI to come forward for government negotiations instead of political agitation.

Responding to a query on shortcomings in the system, he said that it is the duty of every political party to present recommendations at the legislative forum so that we may change the system to reflect a bright future for Pakistan. According to him, the only approach to solve all the problems is communication.

The comments came as opposition parties—including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—have denounced the Opposition Azm-e-Istehkam, government-announced initiative to fight terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a Central Apex Committee of National Action Plan meeting announcing the start of the operation.

With the agreement of all stakeholders including the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, symbolising the national resolve to eradicate extremism and terrorism from the country, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement released following the meeting: “The prime minister approved a reinvigorated and re-energised natiœṭaœnal counterterrorism campaign throgh the launching of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.”

Yusuf Raza Gilani also mentioned today that his party, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has reunited with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and their complaints have been resolved.

The former prime minister underlined also that they are trying to strengthen the administration to control the economic situation and that they will join the federal cabinet following consultations with the party. On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he observed that all sides—including the PTI—are united.