Imran Khan decides to go on hunger strike

Former Prime Minister and founding chairman of the Pakistan Movement for Justice (PTI) Imran Khan has announced his participation in the government’s All Parties Conference (APC) on Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.

During a media briefing at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Friday, the former prime minister said PTI members would attend the conference only as “observers” and stressed that the decision was taken in the best interest of Pakistan.

Read more: Imran Khan talks about party divisions and leadership criticism

In his speech, the jailed PTI leader expressed his distrust of the Chief Justice and announced plans for a hunger strike in prison. He said, “I will announce the final date for the hunger strike after consulting my lawyers.”

The government has convened the APC to discuss the concerns of the coalition and opposition parties regarding Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. The aim of the conference is to achieve political consensus and ensure that all parties support the objectives of the operation.

On June 22, the apex committee of the National Action Plan chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved ‘Operation Azm-e-Istehkam’ to eradicate terrorism and extremism across the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz approved the reactivation of the national anti-terror campaign by launching this operation, symbolizing national resolve with the consensus of all stakeholders, including the provinces of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Read more: UN declares detention of Imran Khan illegal, Foreign Ministry expresses “legal concerns”

Yesterday, it was announced that the government has decided to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) to discuss the concerns of political parties regarding Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz wants to gain the confidence of all parties during this conference. The date and time of the APC will be decided after the Prime Minister returns. There are indications that it may be held next week.

The opposition parties, including PTI, have expressed strong reservations about Operation Azm-e-Istehkam and are demanding clarity on its scope and assurance that all parties will be taken into confidence. In addition, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) has also spoken out against the operation.

While the government’s coalition partners agree that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is necessary and should begin immediately, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently stated that the federal government still needs to bring all parties to the table to develop a coherent strategy for the country’s development.

What is Operation Azm-e-Istehkam?

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam aims to decisively and comprehensively eradicate extremism and terrorism. It will coordinate and align efforts to combat the threats on multiple fronts, while intensifying efforts to contain terrorist activities through regional cooperation in the political and diplomatic spheres.

The operation will reinforce the renewed and vigorous efforts of the armed forces with the full support of all law enforcement agencies. Effective legislation will be enacted to close legal loopholes that hamper the prosecution of terrorism cases and to ensure exemplary punishment of perpetrators.

This campaign will be complemented by socio-economic measures that address the genuine concerns of the population and create an environment that counteracts extremist tendencies. The forum reiterated that the fight against extremism and terrorism is Pakistan’s fight and is vital to the country’s survival and well-being. It was resolved that no one should be allowed to challenge the authority of the state without fear of consequences.

The forum also reviewed measures to ensure absolute safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. After approval by the Prime Minister, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were issued to enhance the safety of Chinese citizens in the country.