Decision to launch operation Azm-e-Istehkam  was not made in haste: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday said that the decision to launch Operation Azm-e-Istehkam was carefully considered and not rushed. He clarified that Pakistan would not be seeking US support for this operation.

During an interview with a US media outlet, he noted that certain political groups and parties are opposing the military operation as a means of scoring political points.

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The Defence Minister categorically dismissed any prospect of negotiations with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), asserting that there is “no basis for dialogue.”

He also raised doubts about the efficacy of the former PTI government’s reintegration initiative for TTP militants, implying that the current administration would consider adopting comparable measures if proven successful.

Regarding potential adverse impacts of another military operation, Asif asserted that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam’s scope would markedly differ from previous operations by not causing widespread displacement among local populations.