‘No Negotiations’: Prime Minister Kakar tells terrorists to ‘surrender unconditionally’

Interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued a stern warning to terrorist groups in Pakistan, urging them to surrender unconditionally and emphasizing that the state would not engage in negotiations with them. Speaking during an interaction with the families of martyrs at the interior ministry, PM Kakar asserted that the government would not show leniency towards terrorists responsible for violence and the loss of innocent lives.

He explicitly stated that individuals were not permitted to take the law into their own hands, emphasizing that only the state, through its security forces, had the legitimate right to use armed power. PM Kakar underscored the unequivocal stance of the state against terrorism, asserting that all state organs were committed to persistently combating militancy.

Addressing the past leniency towards militants, Kakar mentioned that any damage caused would be mitigated. He urged those willing to denounce terrorism to seek forgiveness from the families of martyrs, acknowledging the irreplaceable sacrifices made by them.

While expressing that the reward for the martyrs' souls rested with Allah, PM Kakar emphasized society's responsibility to honor them with a distinguished status. He paid tribute to martyrs from various sectors, including police, politicians, journalists, soldiers, and even children.

The Prime Minister's statements come amid a surge in terrorism over the past year, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. With general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, concerns have been raised about the security situation. Recent data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicated a notable increase in militant activities in November, with a rise in attacks, fatalities, and injuries. Pakistani security forces responded with precision, eliminating militants and apprehending suspects.