Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Monday warned terrorist groups in Pakistan to make an “unconditional surrender”, noting the state would not negotiate with them.
“The state will not show any leniency towards terrorists who committed violence and killed innocent citizens,” he said during an interaction with the families of martyrs at the interior ministry.
Kakar categorically said that no person would be allowed to take the law into his hands, adding that only the state had the legitimate right to use armed power through its security forces.
“No one should have any doubt about the stance of the state against terrorists,” he said. “All organs of the state have the clarity to remain persistent against militancy.”
He said any damage incurred in the past by giving a lenient space to militants would be mitigated.
The prime minister said if someone wanted to denounce terrorism, they must seek forgiveness from the families of the martyrs, who paid the ultimate price of terrorism.
“We cannot compensate those who lost their loved ones, but can make a gesture to acknowledge and honour their invaluable sacrifices,” he said.
Kakar said the reward for the martyrs’ souls rests with Allah, however, it was the responsibility of the society to honour them with a distinguished status. “I pay tribute to all the martyrs with an unending list of heroes from all sections of society including police, politicians, journalists, soldiers, and even children,” he said.
Earlier, at the launch of the new visa policy, the prime minister congratulated the Ministry of Interior on the achievement of a “good milestone”.
He said the country needed to further rationalize its visa policy with the target of attracting investment.
“Unless we open up to the world, we cannot attract investment and develop connectivity,” he said, adding that a country’s visa policy was the cornerstone of its economic roadmap.
The minister was briefed that the new visa policy includes the introduction of investor visas and the revision of the existing business visa category.
