ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif castigated SIC-backed opposition for refusing to back newly announced military operation, named Azm-e-Istekham, to eradicate terrorism.

Opposition lawmakers claimed that they weren’t taken into confidence over newly announced counterterrorism operation. PTI-backed SIC lawmakers staged walkout from session for an hour and returned later, following which they addressed National Assembly and also chanted slogans, including “End operation”, and “We want peace”. Addressing National Assembly floor, Khawaja Asif said that responded to PTI’s concerns regarding Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, recalling that PTI participated in discussions in 2014 at time of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. He recalled formation of Apex Committee following Army Public School tragedy and said that PTI had representation in this committee and participated in its meetings. He asserted that matter was being referred to Cabinet and would also be kept before National Assembly. He said that Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also participated in Apex Committee, where leadership expressed resolve to eliminate terrorism from country. He condemned opposition’s behavior, accusing them of using abusive and violent politics. He pointed out that while opposition claims to stand with military, their actions suggest otherwise.

He alleged that leadership of Sunni Ittehad Council is protesting against Pakistani Army’s sacrifices and still supports stance of May 9 incident. “Mere words of support for Army are not enough, actions matter,” he said.