ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top military brass on Friday raised concerns over “unwarranted” criticism of a newly announced operation against militant violence in the country, saying it would assist the government in addressing all security-related challenges undermining investor confidence.
The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced this in a statement circulated after the 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, presided over by Army Chief General Asim Munir.
The participants reviewed the overall security landscape and focused on Operation Azm-e-Istehkam — or Resolve for Stability — which was announced last month during the meeting of the country’s top security body.
The opposition parties, including former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), raised objections to the planned operation, pointing out that it should have first been debated in the national parliament. They also expressed fears it could create further instability in the country.
“The forum undertook a comprehensive review of internal and external security situation of the country and had detailed discussion on various aspects of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’, which is aimed at harnessing the national counter terrorism efforts in a synchronized manner to dismantle the nexus of terrorism and illegal spectrum in the country for enduring stability and economic prosperity,” the ISPR said.
“Forum noted with concern the unwarranted criticism by some quarters and deliberate misrepresentation of the vision, only for furthering their vested interests,” it added.
The statement said Pakistan’s military leadership was cognizant of the full spectrum of challenges faced by the country, as it pointed out that it would “shoulder its constitutionally mandated responsibilities with support of the resilient people of Pakistan.”
The conference also raised alarm over the “onslaught of politically motivated digital terrorism” against state institution, saying it was to create despondency among the nation and sow the seeds of discord through “fake news and propaganda.”
“Armed Forces along with the nation are fully aware of all such machinations and stand united and committed in defeating the notorious designs of the enemies of Pakistan,” the ISPR statement maintained.
“Forum reiterated to continue full support of ongoing efforts in uplifting the socioeconomic growth and wholeheartedly assisting the government in curbing all illegal activities which hamper investors’ confidence, economic stability and growth.”
The government’s decision to launch the new operation against militants came against the backdrop of a surge in violence in different parts of the country.
It also came shortly after a top Chinese leader visited Pakistan and expressed concern over militant attacks, noting they causing consternation among investors in his country.
The government plans to hold an all-parties conference in the coming days to take all political stakeholder on board with its anti-militancy plan, though its exact date is yet to be announced.
Army raises alarm over ‘unwarranted’ criticism of anti-militancy operation amid opposition’s concerns
https://arab.news/zdrj5
Army raises alarm over ‘unwarranted’ criticism of anti-militancy operation amid opposition’s concerns
- The army says Operation Azm-e-Istehkam aims to dismantle the nexus of ‘terrorism’ and other crimes
- It says the military will assist the government in addressing challenges that undermine investor confidence
World Bank president in Pakistan to discuss development projects, policy issues
- Pakistan, World Bank are currently gearing up to implement a 10-year partnership framework to grant $20 billion loans to the cash-strapped nation
- World Bank President Ajay Banga will hold meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials during the high-level visit
ISLAMABAD: World Bank President Ajay Banga has arrived in Pakistan to hold talks with senior government officials on development projects and key policy issues, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday, as Islamabad seeks multilateral support to stabilize economy and accelerate growth.
The visit comes at a time when Pakistan and the World Bank are gearing up to implement a 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to grant $20 billion in loans to the cash-strapped nation.
The World Bank’s lending for Pakistan, due to start this year, will focus on education quality, child stunting, climate resilience, energy efficiency, inclusive development and private investment.
"World Bank President Ajay Banga arrives in Pakistan for a high-level visit," the state-run Pakistan TV Digital reported on Sunday. "During his stay, he will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials to discuss economic reforms, development projects, and key policy issues."
Pakistan, which nearly defaulted on its foreign debt obligations in 2023, is currently making efforts to stabilize its economy under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
Besides efforts to boost trade and foreign investment, Islamabad has been seeking support from multilateral financial institutions to ensure economic recovery.
“This partnership fosters a unified and focused vision for your county around six outcomes with clear, tangible and ambitious 10-year targets,” Martin Raiser, the World Bank vice president for South Asia, had said at the launch of the CPF in Jan. last year.
“We hope that the CPF will serve as an anchor for this engagement to keep us on the right track. Partnerships will equally be critical. More resources will be needed to have the impact at the scale that we wish to achieve and this will require close collaboration with all the development partners.”
In Dec., the World Bank said it had approved $700 million in financing for Pakistan under a multi-year initiative aimed at supporting the country's macroeconomic stability and service delivery.
It followed a $47.9 million World Bank grant in August last year to improve primary education in Pakistan's most populous Punjab province.
