Khawarij must surrender first, then expect mercy: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has asked the Khawarij of Fitna al-Khawarij (terrorists) to surrender themselves before the state if they expect any mercy for themselves.

“They should surrender before the state, then they can expect mercy,” the army chief said while quoting verses of Holy Quran in an interaction with students from different universities the other day.

Quoting from the verses of Holy Quran, Gen Munir said: “There are categorical orders that such elements who create ‘Fasad’ (mischief) be killed, hanged and their organs should be cut and they should be ousted from the land”. This was their punishment in this world and they will also face wrath of the Allah Almighty 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 was fighting against Khawarij, who happen to be out of the religion and have 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 to impose their values on our country,” Gen Munir said and added the Pakistan Army was fighting against Khawarij, who have 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.

Gen Munir further said it was 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.