Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has urged militants, referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij (terrorists), to surrender to the state if they seek any form of mercy, reaffirming the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country.
“They should surrender before the state, then they can expect mercy,” the army chief stated during an interaction with university students, citing verses from the Holy Quran. He emphasized that Islam mandates severe punishment for those who create Fasad (mischief), including execution, hanging, amputation, and exile. These punishments, he added, are for this world, while divine retribution awaits them in the hereafter.
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However, he noted that those who sincerely repent and seek Tauba (forgiveness) may find mercy from God. He asserted that the militants Pakistan is fighting against have strayed from the faith, following a distorted version of Islam that has no legitimacy. “They have no authority to interpret Islam in this way,” he said.
Gen Munir also stressed that no one has the right to deprive women of their rights. “We will never allow this extremist group to impose their distorted values on our country,” he declared. He highlighted that Islam was the first religion to grant women rights and elevate their status as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. “Who are you [Khawarij] to take away the respect that Islam grants to women?” he questioned.
Expressing his admiration for the nation’s youth, the army chief stated that as long as the people, especially young Pakistanis, stand with the Pakistan Army and uphold the spirit of sacrifice, the military will remain strong. He emphasized unity among soldiers, who fight as comrades without distinctions of ethnicity. “This is Pakistaniat—our national identity—which we cherish,” he added.
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Pakistan has been grappling with an increase in terrorist attacks, particularly targeting law enforcement and security forces, since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have been most affected.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist incidents surged by 42% in January 2025 compared to the previous month. A recent United Nations report also revealed that the Afghan Taliban continue to provide logistical, operational, and financial support to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), contributing to the rise in attacks.
Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent its territory from being used by terrorist groups to launch attacks against Pakistan. Alongside diplomatic efforts, Pakistan remains engaged in sustained counter-terrorism operations to combat this ongoing threat.