ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar yesterday warned terrorist groups in the country to make an "unconditional surrender", saying the state would not negotiate with them.

"The state will not show any leniency towards the terrorists who committed violence and killed innocent citizens," he said in an interaction with the families of martyrs at the interior ministry, where he earlier launched the country's new visa policy.

PM Kakar categorically stated that no person would be allowed to take the law into his hands, adding that only the state had the legitimate right to use armed power through its security forces. "No one should have any doubt about the stance of the state against terrorists," he said. "All organs of the state have the clarity to remain persistent against militancy." He said that any harm caused in the past due to leniency towards militants would be rectified.

The prime minister said that if someone wanted to denounce terrorism, they must seek forgiveness from the families of the martyrs, who had paid the ultimate price. "We cannot compensate those who lost their loved ones, but can make a gesture to acknowledge and honour their invaluable sacrifices," he added.

PM Kakar said that the reward for the martyrs' souls rested with Allah Almighty, however, it was the responsibility of the society to honour them with a distinguished status. "I pay tribute to all the martyrs - an unending list of heroes from all segments of the society, including police, politicians, journalists, soldiers, and even children," he said. Earlier, at the launch of the new visa policy, the prime minister congratulated the ministry on the achievement of a "good milestone".

He said the country needed to further rationalise its visa policy with the target of attracting investment. "Unless we open up to the world, we cannot attract investment and develop connectivity," he said, adding that a country's visa policy was the cornerstone of its economic roadmap. The minister was briefed that the new visa policy included the introduction of investor visas and the revision of the existing business visa category.

The investor visa has been introduced in line with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) initiative. The hassle-free process allows visa approval within 24 hours with a short-term (1-3 years) and long-term (5 years) entry visa.

The process requires minimal documentation with the option of converting the entry business and investor visa into a long-term investor visa. The prime minister was informed that the business visa category was revised with the introduction of SIFC business entry and its extension. The business visa will be issued in 24 hours for a six-month short-term entry visa and a five-year long-term visa.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is managing the visa process and has also deployed its staff at the SIFC. The prime minister inaugurated a memorial gallery where the pictures of martyrs were put on display. He mounted on the wall a photograph of Additional Inspector General of Police Safwat Ghayur who was martyred by the terrorists. He also visited the social media cell where he was given a briefing about its functioning.

Earlier, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti received PM Kakar on his arrival. A contingent of the Islamabad Police presented a salute and guard of honour to the prime minister. The family members of the martyrs, including veteran politician Mian Iftikhar Hussain, whose son was martyred by the terrorists, expressed gratitude to the caretaker government for recognising the sacrifices of the martyred heroes.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 12 2023

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