Zarb-e-Azb achieved remarkable success in countering militants: Senator Dar

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the House in Senate Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday said that the Zarb-e-Azb operation – launched during the PML-N tenure – achieved remarkable success in countering militants through the implementation of a well-defined strategy aimed at curbing terrorism.

Speaking in the Senate, Ishaq Dar addressed various issues raised by former Senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani and fellow senators.

Reflecting on the global perspective in 2013, he highlighted Pakistan’s ability to take decisive action against militants, expressing dissatisfaction with earlier efforts, particularly during the tenure of Pervez Musharraf, the official news agency reported.

Dar recalled proposing the Zarb-e-Azb operation to the National Security Committee after the 2014 budget, initially estimated at Rs100 billion per year, with the operation’s duration later extended to four years.

Despite the financial challenges, he took the decision in the best interest of the country and committed to provide budget for it, he said.

He underscored the PML-N’s commitment to providing Balochistan its due share under Article 172(3) during its tenure, urging adherence to the same article for transactions after June 2023.

He recalled the PML-N’s three ‘Es’ strategy – Economy, Electricity, and Elimination of Extremism – instituted during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, which successfully contributed to restoring peace in the region. Karachi, in particular, witnessed a complete restoration of peace within 18 months, he added.

PPP leader Mian Raza Rabbani drew attention to the surge in terrorist acts in the country and said that the frequency of such activities had increased, resulting in the deaths of and injuries to jawans of the security force.

He expressed the view that external forces aimed to destabilise Pakistan. Rabbani said that dialogue and development would ensure peace in Balochistan.

PPPP’s Bahramand Khan Tangi expressed support to the caretaker government’s decision to urge illegal residents to leave the country, emphasising the importance of valid documentation for residing and conducting business in Pakistan.

PTI Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur criticised the Modi government for alleged atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and for propagating against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shahzad Waseem called for devising a mechanism for the timely signing of bills passed by the National Assembly and Senate.

During a point of order, he expressed his dismay and said that it was regrettable how bills favouring the affluent swiftly received approval, while bills designed for the betterment of the common people seemed to have disappeared.

Drawing attention to a specific case, he highlighted a bill related to the observation of employees under the administrative control of the Federal Directorate of Education. This bill, addressing the protection of families where spouses work or reside in Islamabad Capital Territory, ensuring compliance with Article 35 and promoting the full participation of women in national life as outlined in Article 34 and guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan, has yet to be signed and is seemingly missing.

The opposition leader stressed that the parliament, as the supreme legislative body, holds the authority to enact laws for the welfare of the people