Pakistan security experts call for ‘political, national unity’ for success of new anti-terror operation

Pakistani army personnel patrol outside a polling station during Pakistan's national elections in Peshawar on February 8, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 26 June 2024
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Pakistan security experts call for ‘political, national unity’ for success of new anti-terror operation

  • Government has said it will build consensus before launching new operation, does not plan large-scale armed campaign
  • Several opposition parties have rejected the operation, accusing government of not taking the parliament on board 

ISLAMABAD: Security experts in Pakistan have urged the government this week to build political consensus for a new anti-terrorism operation, urging “national unity and diplomatic efforts” to gain approval for proposed measures and ensure their success. 

The South Asian state’s top national security forum on Saturday announced “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam,” or Resolve for Stability, operation after a meeting of senior military leaders and top government officials from all provinces. Several opposition parties have rejected the operation, accusing the government of not taking the opposition or parliament on board before announcing the measures. 

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif separately clarified that the government was not planning to launch a “large-scale armed operation” against militancy but instead intensify ongoing intelligence-based operations. They also said they would seek to build consensus before starting a new campaign, which comes as the country faces daily attacks on security personnel and pressure from China to protect its nationals working in Pakistan.

“The government needs to engage with political parties expressing reservations and fears that the operation might be used against them,” former defense secretary, retired Lt Gen Naeem Khalid Lodhi, told Arab News, advising the government to go for a “small scale” operation rather than a military campaign. 

“To address extremism, complete political support, national unity, and diplomatic efforts are essential.”

Lodhi said an in-camera briefing needed to be arranged for political leaders as the whole nation needed to be united to ensure any new operation’s success.

Speaking to the media on Monday, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur urged the government to take concerned stakeholders and parliament into confidence before launching a new operation.

“Before any operation, the concerned public should be taken into confidence because terrorism cannot be eliminated without public support and it was also necessary to take parliament into confidence,” he added. 

“DIVERSE OPERATION”

According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, which maintains data on terror attacks in the region, Pakistan has seen over 300 terrorism-related deaths this year, with dozens of security personnel, including officials, killed in militant attacks and counterterrorism operations in the first half of 2024. 

Previously, between 2007 and 2017, Pakistan conducted major military operations such as Rah-e-Haq, Zarb-e-Azb, and Rad-ul-Fasad.

Syed Muhammad Ali, an Islamabad-based security analyst, said Azm-e-Istehkam would be a “more comprehensive” counter-terrorism plan than previous ones. 

“It will involve intelligence and counter-terrorism operations as well as information, ideological, and legal aspects to reduce the psychological and social space for terrorism, and bring terrorists to justice, not just eliminate them physically,” he told Arab News.

In a statement released on Monday night, Sharif described the new operation as a “multi-domain, multi-agency, whole of the system national vision for enduring stability in Pakistan.”

“It is meant to reinvigorate and re-energize the ongoing implementation of the Revised National Action Plan, which was initiated after the national consensus across the political spectrum,” Sharif said, referring to a strategy formulated in 2014 to stamp out militant groups.

He said the new anti-terrorism operation would include political, diplomatic, legal, and information prongs and continue operations by law enforcement agencies.

Retired Brig Masud Ahmed Khan, a defense analyst, said the new operation was in the country’s interest as militants were not only targeting Pakistani citizens but also harming its diplomatic and financial interests by targeting Chinese nationals. In the latest attack, a suicide bomb attack killed five Chinese engineers in March.

“Attacks on Chinese nationals and projects is also an important factor as we need to protect them along with other threats to our security forces and installations,” he told Arab News, adding that the new operation would differ from previous ones as it would focus on both terrorism and extremism. 

“It is a diverse operation, covering terrorism, extremism, and protecting minorities from religious violence which is much needed in the current circumstances,” he said. “Political parties should keep the peace and security of the country above their political differences.”

Journalist Sumera Khan, who has covered previous military operations, said the operation’s timing was right as the state had tried other measures, such as expelling illegal Afghans and cracking down on criminals to control terrorism.

Pakistan has blamed the recent surge in militant attacks on neighboring Afghanistan, which it says allows Pakistani Taliban militants to hold camps and train insurgents to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies this. Since last November, the Pakistan government has also launched a deportation drive under which over 600,000 Afghan nationals have been expelled from Pakistan.

“State was gradually hardening its measures and finally launched this operation which will now not focus only on the Afghan side but will be implemented across Pakistan,” Khan told Arab News, adding that all organs of the state would be actively involved in the new campaign.

“This time there is the possibility that the military will remain focused on the kinetic side while diplomatic and media sides will be handled by the government,” she added.

“RENEWED CYCLE OF RESENTMENT”

But some analysts are skeptical the operation will achieve its objectives.

Former diplomat Rustam Shah Mohmand said the operation would likely meet the same fate as many previous military operations.

“Since the first operation, peace has not been restored in the tribal areas, and this may initiate a renewed cycle of resentment and frustration, potentially fueling recruitment opportunities for terrorists and further spread of terrorism,” he told Arab News.

Mohmand said the government should instead focus on strengthening institutions, improving coordination between different departments, and increasing intelligence sharing to address specific threats instead of pursuing blanket operations.

“Additionally, there is a serious lack of coordination between provinces and the central government,” he concluded, “that needs to be strengthened.”


Turkiye detains 13 people in probe of fintech Papara, which acquired Pakistan’s SadaPay

Updated 27 May 2025
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Turkiye detains 13 people in probe of fintech Papara, which acquired Pakistan’s SadaPay

  • Papara is suspected of money laundering, illegal betting and establishing a criminal organization
  • Papara expanded by acquiring Pakistan-based SadaPay and Spain-based Rebellion Pay in 2023

ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities detained 13 people as part of an investigation into fintech company Papara over suspected money laundering, illegal betting and establishing a criminal organization, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Tuesday.

Yerlikaya said authorities determined that the company, which provides online money transfers, foreign-exchange transactions and bill-payment services for its 21 million users, was allowing users to open accounts to transfer illegal betting income.

A report by state broadcaster TRT Haber said the detentions included Papara’s founder and chairman, Ahmet Faruk Karsli.

As part of the probe, the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) was appointed as a trustee to Papara by a court decision, following reports from the central bank, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), and other relevant institutions.

The central bank, which regulates payment firms, said on Tuesday it would implement daily limits to transactions made on the platform.

“In this process, which will be carried out in coordination with the relevant institutions, temporary daily limits will be applied to payment transactions at the institution,” the central bank said in a statement.

It also sought to reassure users, noting that “within the scope of the law, the funds of payment service users in payment and electronic money institutions are secured in protection accounts at banks.”

Yerlikaya said 10 companies, bank accounts and assets of the detained individuals were seized as part of the investigation.

A report by the financial crimes unit found that more than 26,000 accounts were used for illegal online betting, involving transactions worth 12.9 billion lira ($330 million), he added.

Papara, one of Turkiye’s fastest-growing fintech companies, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company was founded in 2015 and received an electronic money institution license from the banking regulator BDDK the following year. It expanded abroad by acquiring Pakistan-based SadaPay and Spain-based Rebellion Pay in 2023.

According to its website, Papara had 21 million users as of last year. PPR Holding owns Papara, and Trade Registry data shows Karsli held about 90 percent of the company as of May 2024.


Pakistan to celebrate Eid Al-Adha on June 7

Updated 27 May 2025
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Pakistan to celebrate Eid Al-Adha on June 7

  • Eid Al-Adha is observed on 10th day of Dhul Hijjah
  • Annual Hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 4

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s moon sighting committee announced today, Tuesday, that the crescent marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah was not sighted due to unclear skies and the Eid Al-Adha festival would commence from June 7. 

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred period during which the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, take place. It is one of the four holy months in Islam, with the first 10 days especially revered and considered among the best days of the year for performing righteous deeds.

“Today, in Pakistan, most areas experienced cloudy weather, and some areas had clear skies. The confirmation of sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon has not been received from any part of Pakistan,” Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad said at a press conference.

“Hence unanimously [we have] decided that the first Dhul Hijjah, 1446 AH will be observed on Thursday, May 29 and Eid Al-Adha will be on Saturday, June 7, 2025.”

Commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son on God’s command, Muslims mark the Eid Al-Adha holiday by slaughtering animals such as sheep, cows and goats. The meat is shared among family and friends and also donated to the poor.

Eid Al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, while the annual Hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 4.


Pakistani PM meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, thanks him for support during India standoff

Updated 27 May 2025
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Pakistani PM meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, thanks him for support during India standoff

  • PM Sharif will attend a trilateral summit with Aliyev and Türkish President Erdogan in Lachin
  • Sharif is on regional diplomacy tour following Pakistan’s recent military confrontation with India 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and thanked his country for its “steadfast support” during a recent military standoff with India, the worst conflict in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. 

Sharif is in Azerbaijan on the third stopover of a five-day regional diplomacy tour that also saw him visit Iran and Turkiye. Turkiye and Azerbaijan had openly pledged support for Pakistan during the standoff with India while Iran had urged restraint multiple times and also offered to mediate.

The four-day military escalation saw Pakistan and India launch missiles and drones deep into each other’s territories and exchange gunfire on their de facto border, the Line of Control, until a ceasefire was announced on May 10. Nearly 70 people combined were killed on both sides of the border. 

“The prime minister thanked Azerbaijan for its steadfast support during the recent Pakistan-India confrontation, in the face of Indian provocation and acknowledged the public expressions of solidarity from both the leadership and the people of brotherly Azerbaijan,” Sharif’s office said in a statement. 

“He said that people of Azerbaijan celebrated the success of Pakistan.”

During the meeting, which took place on the eve of a trilateral summit between Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, Sharif and Aliyev reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction on the trajectory of political, economic, defense, and cultural cooperation.

“They reaffirmed their shared commitment to diversifying the strategic partnership through investment in mutually beneficial avenues,” the prime minister’s office said. 

“Azerbaijan side agreed to exchange of delegations with regard to progress in investment of Azerbaijan in Pakistan. In this regard delegation level talks will be organized very soon.”

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have strengthened ties in recent years through defense and energy cooperation and Baku has supported Islamabad’s position on the Kashmir dispute at international forums.

Islamabad has also offered Azerbaijan access to its seaports to facilitate trade with global markets and promoted regional connectivity initiatives linking Central Asia to South Asia.

At the start of his regional visit, Sharif met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Türkiye and thanked him for Ankara’s strong backing during the conflict with India. The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in defense production, energy, IT, agriculture and infrastructure and agreed to pursue a bilateral trade target of $5 billion, building on commitments made during the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council held in Islamabad earlier this year.

Sharif also visited Tehran, where he held meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

At a joint press stakeout with the Iranian president, Sharif made a peace offer to India, saying Pakistan was ready for talks on contentious issues including Kashmir, water-sharing and countering terrorism.


Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting

Updated 27 May 2025
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Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting

  • NEC Consultants is an environmental and infrastructure consulting firm based in Pakistan
  • Andersen provides services spanning corporate strategy, business, IT, AI transformation

SAN FRANCISCO: Andersen Consulting bolsters its sustainability offering through a Collaboration Agreement with NEC Consultants (Pvt) Ltd., an environmental and infrastructure consulting firm based in Pakistan.

Established in 2006, NEC Consultants provides environmental and engineering professional services. Their offerings include environmental assessments and audits, wastewater treatment plant design, energy audits, sustainability and circularity consulting, and training in environmental and energy efficiency.

Azher Uddin Khan, managing director of NEC Consulting, said:

“This collaboration with Andersen Consulting marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide innovative and sustainable solutions. By combining our local expertise with the organization’s global reach, we are poised to address complex challenges and drive impactful change in Pakistan and beyond.”

Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen, added:

“Pakistan is a rapidly growing economy with enormous potential in infrastructure development and environmental sustainability. As the country continues to invest in large-scale public and private projects, the need for multidimensional services is greater than ever. By collaborating with NEC Consultants, we gain a competitive edge in a high-growth market.”

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 20,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 500 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. 

Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.


Pakistan’s largest port operator issues monsoon safety measures

Updated 27 May 2025
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Pakistan’s largest port operator issues monsoon safety measures

  • Upcoming monsoon season is expected to begin earlier than usual and bring heavier rainfall, disaster authority says 
  • Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change, floods in 2022 killed more than 1,700 Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s largest port operator, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), on Tuesday issued a list of precautions to be taken in case of heavy rains, winds and flooding during the upcoming monsoon season, including monitoring the safety of ships and boats and securing dredges, barges and cargo.

The upcoming monsoon season is expected to begin earlier than usual and bring heavier rainfall, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said last week. The season is likely to begin around June 26–27, roughly three to four days ahead of its typical onset. Rainfall across the country is likely to exceed normal levels by up to 5 percent, with northeastern Punjab bracing for a 50 percent increase.

“Monitor the safety of ships at berths closely and assess their security and ensure mooring lines are properly set,” the KPT said in an advisory. 

“Pilots should be on standby to cast off vessels to sea in heavy weather. Tugs, pilot boats, and shipping boats must be ready for emergencies.”

Small boats should be parked in less exposed locations and properly secured and dredgers and barges must also be well secured, with doubled-up mooring ropes and manned appropriately, KPT said. 

All cargo such as vehicles, appliances, sensitive and lightweight goods, should be secured and covered with tarpaulin. 

“Ensure technical staff is available 24/7 for support. Medical team and ambulance must be on standby,” the advisory added. 

“Roofs should be maintained to prevent leakages and seepage. High winds and lightning can damage power lines and transformers; maintenance of electrical items is necessary.”

KPT also recommended the availability of standby generators and backup power on short notice during heavy rain.

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change. In 2022, devastating floods blamed on climate change killed more than 1,700 Pakistanis, affected another 33 million and caused the country over $30 billion in economic losses.