Post Operation Zarb-e-Azb: Security and Rehabiliation Challenges

On September 21st, 2015, Ms. Aymen Ijaz, Assistant Research Officer IPRI, gave a presentation on topic “Post Operation Zarb e-Azb: Security and Rehabilitation Challenges” at IPRI Conference Hall. She said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb is a joint military offensive being conducted by the Pakistan Armed Forces against various militant groups in North Waziristan close to Pak-Afghan border. Zarb-e-Azb means “sharp and cutting strike”. Azb refers to the sword owned by the Holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which he used in the battles of Badr and Uhud. The operation was launched on June 15, 2014. Prior to the operation, the government of Pakistan used the option of serious negotiations with TTP, which failed. A terrorist attack on Karachi airport on June 8, 2015, ended the peace talks and Operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched. The airstrikes on militants and the ground operation was launched on June 26, with around more than 30,000 troops. Credible intelligence and surveillance information was gathered about the militants/terrorists in areas of operations.