Roving Periscope: Terror-nursery Pakistan seeks US arms for ‘anti-terror’ operation

Virendra Pandit

New Delhi: Everybody knows that a portion of the foreign arms the Pakistani Army imported in the past found their way right into the hands of the terrorist gangs the military itself sponsored, trained, directed, and launched against India, and other countries.

Now Pakistan has urged the US to supply arms to help it launch an anti-terrorist operation, which has been forced upon it by China to protect its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Chinese nationals under persistent attacks of various terror gangs.
In all likelihood, Pakistan may rearm, strike a fresh deal with these terror gangs, and redirect them against India where it is trying to revive the terror attacks to divert attention from Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and the CPEC, to Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the media reports on Saturday, Pakistan’s ambassador to the US has urged Washington to provide small arms and modern equipment to Islamabad to ensure the success of “Operation Azm-i-Istehkam,” the terror-infested country’s latest ‘counter-terrorism initiative.’

The decision to launch this so-called anti-terror operation was taken on June 22 at the apex committee meeting of the National Action Plan, a strategy approved in 2014 to eliminate militancy from the country.

The federal government recently approved the reinvigorated national counter-terrorism drive.

“Pakistan has launched this drive to oppose and dismantle terrorist networks. For that, we need sophisticated small arms and communication equipment, “Ambassador Masood Khan was quoted as saying by the “Dawn” newspaper.

Earlier this week, his remarks came while addressing US policymakers, scholars, intelligentsia, and corporate leaders at a Washington-based think tank, the Wilson Centre.

Khan elaborated that “Azm-i-Istehkam” comprises doctrinal, societal, and operational components. Work on the first two phases has already begun, while the third phase will be implemented soon.

The decision to launch a new anti-terror operation was taken when the country faced a new onslaught by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who, according to officials, are based in Afghanistan.

Khan emphasized that Pakistan and the US should maintain strong security links, enhance intelligence cooperation, resume sales of advanced military platforms, and work on the sustainment of US-origin defense equipment.

This is crucial for regional security and opposing the rising tide of terrorism that also threatens the interests of the US and its allies, he added.

Khan argued that the bilateral relationship should be based on ground realities and not be hindered by a few issues.

Secondly, one or two issues should not hold the entire relationship hostage, he noted.

He pointed to high-level defense talks, frequent meetings, and joint military exercises like Inspired Union-2024, Falcon Talon, and Red Flag as examples of robust defense cooperation between Pakistan and the US.

Khan also suggested that the US should consider Pakistan as a partner in its diplomatic efforts in Kabul and collaborate on counterterrorism and the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

In this era of renewed strategic competition, the US and Pakistan should build on existing partnerships and explore new horizons to establish the parameters of mutual interests, the envoy said.

We should not base our engagement on the paradox of expectations. Our ties should be anchored in ground realities, even as we aim for stronger security and economic partnerships. Secondly, one or two issues should not hold the entire relationship hostage, he said.

Meanwhile, the US State Department expressed support to Pakistan.

On June 26, while responding to questions State Department’s spokesperson Matthew Miller said “We support Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights.”
Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks. No country should have to suffer such acts of terror, he added.