'No mercy until terrorists surrender': Army chief reaffirms resolve to root out terrorism
COAS says Pakistan fighting against militants, who happen to be "out of religion" and had nothing to do with Islam
February 17, 2025
- Army chief expressing military's resolve to defeat terrorism.
- "Khawarij have their own perverted interpretation of Islam."
- COAS Munir highlights importance given to women in Islam.
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has asked Fitna al-Khawarij (terrorists) to surrender themselves before the state if they expect any mercy for themselves, expressing the military's resolve to root out terrorism from the country.
“They should surrender before the state, then they can expect mercy,” the army chief said while quoting verses of the Holy Quran in an interaction with students from different universities at a recent event.
Quoting from the verses of the Holy Quran, Gen Munir said: “There are categorical orders that such elements who create Fasad [mischief] be killed, hanged and their limbs should be cut and they should be ousted from the land.”
This was their punishment in this world and they would also face the wrath of Almighty Allah on the doomsday, he added while quoting the holy verses.
"The God will forgive those who repent their misdeeds and Fasad and seek Tauba (repentance)," he said.
He pointed out that nowadays, Pakistan is fighting against militants, who happen to be "out of the religion" and had nothing to do with Islam. “They have their own perverted interpretation of Islam which is not allowed in our religion, and who gives them such authority,” he said.
The army chief maintained that nobody could deprive women of their rights.
“We will never ever let this perverted group impose their values on our country,” Gen Munir said and added that the Pakistan Army was fighting against the terrorists, who had their own interpretation of Islam.
He pointed out that Islam happens to be the first religion which granted rights to women and elevated their status as mother, sister, daughter or wife. “Who are you [Khawarij] to take away the maximum respect given by our religion to women,” he said.
The COAS further said it is always heartening for him to interact with youth. “As long as the nation is standing behind the Pakistan Army, especially the youth of the country, and as long as the spirit of sacrifice is present in us, the Army will not fall,” he added.
“The Pakistan Army’s soldiers fight like comrades, that is what they learn in the Army without feeling that who is Punjabi, Pakhtoon, Balochi or Sindhi. This is Pakistaniat, which is most important for us and we love that,” he said.
The country has been reeling under increased terrorist attacks targeting especially the law enforcers and security forces since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The country witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.
A recent United Nations report revealed that the Afghan Taliban continue to provide Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) with logistical and operational space and financial support, leading to a rise in terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
Islamabad has time again urged Kabul to not allow its territory to be used by terrorist groups to carry out attacks against Pakistan. The diplomatic effort is coupled with ongoing kinetic action against terrorists under sustained counter-terrorism efforts.
