Ultimatum to Terrorists
Interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued a stern warning to terrorist groups in Pakistan, demanding their “unconditional surrender” during an interaction with the families of martyrs at the interior ministry.
He emphasized that the state would not negotiate with terrorists and would show no leniency towards those who had committed acts of violence against innocent citizens. Kakar stressed that only the state had the legitimate right to use armed power through its security forces and declared that individuals must not take the law into their own hands.
Furthermore, Kakar stated that any past leniency towards militants had caused damage, and the state was now committed to mitigating those consequences. He urged those willing to denounce terrorism to seek forgiveness from the families of martyrs, acknowledging the irreplaceable sacrifices they had made. While emphasizing that compensation for the lost lives rested with Allah, he highlighted society’s responsibility to honor martyrs with a distinguished status.
Reflecting on the recent surge in terrorist activities, Kakar paid tribute to the numerous heroes, including individuals from various sectors such as police, politicians, journalists, soldiers, and even children. The prime minister expressed determination in maintaining a clear stance against militancy, emphasizing the unwavering commitment of all state organs in the fight against terrorism.
In the context of rising terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, concerns were raised about the security situation leading up to the scheduled general elections on February 8, 2024.
Notably, there was a significant increase in militant attacks in November, with a 34% surge, according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The attacks resulted in 83 fatalities, including security forces personnel and civilians, prompting a precise response from Pakistani security forces that eliminated at least 59 militants and apprehended 18 suspected individuals.
