WASHINGTON: The US supports Pakistan’s new anti-terrorism campaign, Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. A State Department spokesperson confirmed this on Wednesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured that the campaign would not disturb the civilian population. Instead of a new armed operation, intelligence-based operations will intensify.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, when asked about the US reaction to the operation, said, “We support Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights.” He added that the partnership includes high-level counterterrorism dialogue, funding robust counterterrorism programs, and military engagements.
Miller acknowledged the suffering of the Pakistani people from terrorist attacks, stating, “No country should have to suffer such acts of terror.” He emphasized the shared interest in combating regional security threats.
Last week, the government decided to launch the operation amid rising terror incidents. The operation is described as “a collective multidimensional operation and national vision of the entire state system.” The PM Office (PMO) stated that the push was approved with the consensus of all stakeholders, including the four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
However, opposition parties such as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), and others voiced concerns. They demanded that parliament must be taken into confidence before such a decision is made.
Miller also addressed concerns about mob violence and attacks in Pakistan. He stated, “We are always concerned by incidents of religiously motivated violence. Violence or the threat of violence against another person is never an acceptable form of expression, and we oppose blasphemy laws everywhere in the world, including in Pakistan.” He added that such acts jeopardize human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief.
The US urges Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Miller said, “Both — we make that clear both publicly and privately. This includes freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly.”
When asked about addressing Pakistan’s status on the ‘Country of Particular Concern’ list, Miller said they regularly engage with Pakistani counterparts on human rights issues, including religious freedom and the treatment of minorities. He emphasized that these concerns are highlighted in the Department’s Annual International Religious Freedom Report and Country Report on Human Rights Practices.
