The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to throw its weight behind Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a nationwide initiative aimed at stamping out terrorism and extremism, despite harbouring some reservations.
During a parliamentary party meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, the PPP leadership and members put their heads together to discuss the operation. After much deliberation, the party decided to back the initiative.
However, the PPP has communicated its concerns to the government regarding the operation.
The main bone of contention for the PPP was the lack of consultation before the operation was launched. In response, the government assured the party that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence moving forward.
The PPP emphasised its commitment to national decisions through consultation and reiterated its support for all anti-terrorism efforts. “The country’s welfare and the people’s safety have always been the PPP’s top priority,” a party source stated.
PPP to vote for to avoid ‘instability’
In a related development, the PPP will vote for the budget to prevent instability in the country, senior parliamentarian Syed Naveed Qamar announced on Tuesday.
The decision was made during a parliamentary party meeting chaired by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, with Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also in attendance.
PPP Secretary Information Shazia Marri stated that members had expressed concerns about their constituencies in previous meetings.
The party leadership engaged the government to address these issues, with senior PPP parliamentarian Syed Naveed Qamar briefing members on the progress.
Qamar explained that an agreement between the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was made during the formation of the government.
This agreement included 25 points, some of which have been implemented, while others remain ambiguous.
“Despite certain reservations, we have decided to vote for the finance bill,” Qamar said.
“If we do not support the budget, it would dismantle the government and lead to instability, which the PPP seeks to avoid.”
Qamar noted that the PPP anticipates that the points raised by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the assembly will be accepted by the government.
The PPP will continue discussions with the government to ensure these issues are addressed.
On Saturday, the country’s civil and military leadership decided to launch a new campaign in an effort to tackle the resurgence of terrorism as Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the need for all institutions of the country to collectively combat this menace instead of relying on one.
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