Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: Pakistan’s Latest Anti-Terror Campaign or China’s Resource Grab?

In a move that has sent ripples through Pakistan’s political landscape, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has announced the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a purportedly reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign. While the operation is being touted as a symbol of national resolve to eradicate extremism and terrorism, a closer examination reveals a more complex and concerning picture – one that appears to prioritize Chinese interests over Pakistan’s sovereignty and long-term stability. The timing of Azm-e-Istehkam, which essentially serves as Zarb-e-Azb 2.0, is particularly telling. It follows closely on the heels of a high-profile five-day visit to China by PM Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, where the security of Chinese nationals and interests in Pakistan topped the agenda. This visit was swiftly succeeded by senior Chinese official Liu Jianchao’s trip to Pakistan, during which he emphasized the critical need to improve security for Chinese investors.

China’s heightened concern is not without reason. Recent months have seen a spate of attacks on Chinese installations and personnel in Pakistan, including a deadly assault on a convoy of Chinese engineers in March that resulted in the loss of five Chinese lives. With a staggering $62 billion invested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing is understandably eager to protect its interests – even if it means pushing Pakistan into a potentially destabilizing military operation. However, the CPEC, often lauded as a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy, increasingly appears to be a vehicle for China to exploit Pakistan’s natural resources. Of particular interest are Pakistan’s gold and uranium mines, which China seems eager to access under the guise of development projects. This resource grab is creating a dangerous dependency, with Pakistan’s national assets being leveraged to feed China’s insatiable appetite for raw materials and strategic minerals.

The launch of Azm-e-Istehkam has faced significant domestic opposition, raising questions about its true purpose and beneficiaries. Major political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Awami National Party (ANP), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), have voiced their concerns about the lack of parliamentary consultation and the potential for further destabilization. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, led by PTI, has refused to support the operation until its details and procedures are clarified. ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan expressed reservations about the presence of ‘enablers’ in the province, hinting at deeper political complexities underlying the security situation. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman went so far as to call the operation a “destabilizing initiative” that will further weaken Pakistan.

Critics argue that Pakistan’s leadership is prioritizing Chinese demands over national interests. The country’s economic vulnerability, having narrowly avoided default last year, may be pushing it to acquiesce to Chinese pressure for immediate action, regardless of the long-term consequences for Pakistan’s stability and sovereignty. Further, the operation risks escalating tensions with neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban government of harboring militants, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Any cross-border strikes as part of Azm-e-Istehkam could further strain relations and potentially create a broader regional conflict. This is especially concerning given the recent unilateral ending of the ceasefire by the TTP in November 2022, which has led to a surge in violent incidents over the last 18 months.

Interestingly, while China pushes for military action in Pakistan, it maintains a more nuanced approach towards the Taliban in Afghanistan. This divergence in strategy highlights the complex web of regional interests at play and raises questions about the true motivations behind the operation. The lack of transparency surrounding Azm-e-Istehkam is particularly troubling. Despite its far-reaching implications, the operation’s specifics, including its duration and methodology, remain shrouded in mystery. This opacity has led to widespread confusion and skepticism among both the public and political opposition.

The operation’s announcement comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with severe economic challenges. The country has witnessed nearly 1,000 casualties from almost 700 incidents of violence in 2023 alone, with most attacks occurring in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern province of Balochistan. These regions, coincidentally or not, are also home to significant CPEC projects and valuable mineral resources. The Pakistani government’s decision to launch this operation without proper parliamentary consultation raises serious questions about democratic norms and the balance of power within the country. It suggests a troubling trend where crucial national security decisions are being made without adequate debate or oversight, potentially serving foreign interests more than domestic ones.

The operation’s focus on military action rather than addressing the root causes of extremism and terrorism is cause for concern. Previous military operations have shown that while they may provide short-term gains, they often fail to address the underlying social, economic, and political factors that fuel extremism. The potential environmental and social impacts of increased resource extraction, likely to follow in the wake of this operation, also cannot be ignored. Pakistan’s fragile ecosystems and vulnerable communities may bear the brunt of intensified mining activities, further exacerbating existing inequalities and environmental degradation.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam appears to be less about Pakistan’s national security and more about securing Chinese investments and access to resources. As Pakistan launches into yet another military campaign, it risks further instability, political discord, and economic exploitation. The country’s leadership must carefully consider whether this operation truly serves Pakistan’s interests or if it’s merely a smokescreen for a deeper, more concerning agenda driven by Chinese ambitions. As Pakistan grapples with these challenges, the international community should remain vigilant. The exploitation of a nation’s resources under the guise of development and security operations sets a dangerous precedent. It’s time for Pakistan to reassess its priorities and ensure that its actions truly benefit its own people, rather than serving as a pawn in a larger geopolitical chess game. The path forward for Pakistan is fraught with challenges. Balancing national security concerns with economic development, while maintaining sovereignty and democratic principles, is no easy task. However, it is crucial that any counter-terrorism efforts are undertaken with full transparency, parliamentary oversight, and a clear focus on long-term stability rather than short-term geopolitical gains.