NUZHAT NAZAR

RAWALPINDI: In response to a series of bloody extremist assaults, Pakistan Army Wednesday launched a nationwide military operation ‘Radd-ul-Fassad’, which would include a broad spectrum security and counterterrorism operation in Punjab to root out terrorism from the country.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aims of operation include the elimination of the residual and latent threat of terrorism, consolidating gains of operations made so far and ensuring the security of Pakistan’s borders. He said this operation too is a part of the National Action Plan (NAP).

The ISPR issued a press release stating, “Pakistan Army launches ‘Operation Radd-ul-Fassad’ across the country. This operation aims at indiscriminately eliminating residual /latent threat of terrorism, consolidating gains of operations made thus far and further ensuring security of the borders. Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Civil Armed Forces (CAF) and other security/law enforcing agencies (LEAs) will continue to actively participate/intimately support the efforts to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.

“The effort entails conduct of broad spectrum security/ counterterrorism operations by Rangers in Punjab, continuation of ongoing operations across the country and focus on more effective border security management. Countrywide de-weaponisation and explosive control are additional cardinals of the effort. Pursuance of the NAP will be the hallmark of this operation.”

The decision came after Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a high-level security session in Lahore, which was attended by all corps commanders of Punjab province, DG PR Punjab and intelligence officials.