No Mercy for Terrorists Until They Surrender, Says COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has called on militants to surrender to the state if they seek mercy, emphasizing the Pakistan Army’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism.

Speaking at an event where he engaged with university students, Gen Munir cited verses from the Holy Quran, underscoring the divine punishment for those who spread chaos and violence. “There are clear orders that such elements who create Fasad [mischief] be killed, hanged, their limbs cut, and expelled from the land,” he stated, referencing the holy scriptures. He added that these individuals would also face severe consequences in the afterlife.

However, he pointed out that those who truly repent for their actions and seek forgiveness would find mercy in the eyes of God.

Addressing the issue of militancy, Gen Munir remarked that Pakistan is combating extremists who have strayed from the teachings of Islam. “They have their own distorted interpretation of religion, which is not permitted in Islam. Who gave them the authority to do so?” he questioned.

Reaffirming the rights of women in Islam, he stressed that no one has the power to deprive them of their rightful status. “We will never allow this extremist group to impose their ideology on our country,” he asserted, highlighting that Islam was the first religion to grant women their rights and elevate their status as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives.

The army chief also expressed confidence in the nation’s support for the Pakistan Army, particularly from the youth. “As long as the people stand with the Pakistan Army, and the spirit of sacrifice remains strong within us, our forces will never falter,” he said.

Gen Munir further praised the unity within the military, stating that soldiers fight as comrades without distinction of ethnicity or province. “This is Pakistaniat, and we take pride in it,” he affirmed.

Pakistan has been grappling with a surge in terrorist attacks, particularly targeting security personnel, since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have witnessed a sharp rise in militant activities, posing a significant challenge to national security.