Pakistan Approves PKR 60 Billion for Operation Azm-e-Istehkam Amid Human Rights Concerns
Quetta, Pakistan – On Thursday, Pakistan approved an additional PKR 60 billion to carry out Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, aimed at combating rising violence and terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved PKR 20 billion as a special allocation for the operation during the current fiscal year 2024-25, according to an official announcement by the Ministry of Finance.
An official from the ministry stated that the remaining PKR 40 billion will be disbursed during the second half of the fiscal year and will be used to procure advanced military gadgets. The decision was made during an ECC meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad.
However, several human rights organizations have expressed concerns that such military operations could worsen the human rights situation in these regions. Last month, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) raised serious concerns about Operation Azm-e-Istehkam and called for the protection of citizens’ rights. HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt emphasized the need for the state to balance political considerations with security needs and urged Parliament to deliberate on the operation transparently.
The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) also condemned the operation, describing it as a “widened terror plan” aimed at carrying out genocide against the Baloch and Pashtun peoples. The FBM claimed that the operation is intended to safeguard Chinese interests and pursue expansionist ambitions, noting significant military mobilization in Balochistan.
The FBM further asserted that the operation aims to secure Chinese investments in Balochistan, eliminating opposition from local communities to Chinese exploitation. Both the Baloch and Pashtun communities oppose foreign investment and infrastructure on their lands without their consent.
Doubts Revealed
PKR -: PKR stands for Pakistani Rupee, which is the currency used in Pakistan.
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam -: Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is a military operation in Pakistan aimed at fighting violence and terrorism.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan, located in the northwestern part of the country.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is another province in Pakistan, located in the southwestern part of the country.
Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) -: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) is a group in Pakistan that makes important decisions about the country’s economy and finances.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) -: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is an organization that works to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan.
Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) -: The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) is a group that advocates for the rights and independence of the Baloch people in Pakistan.
human rights violations -: Human rights violations are actions that harm people’s basic rights and freedoms, like unfair treatment or violence.
