Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday 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 terrorists who committed violence and killed innocent citizens,” he said in an interaction with the families of martyrs at the interior ministry, where he launched the country’s new visa policy.

PM Kakar said 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.”

All organs of the State have the clarity to remain persistent against militancy, he said, adding that any damage incurred in the past by giving a lenient space to militants would be mitigated.

The interim PM said that those who wanted to denounce terrorism must seek forgiveness from the families of the martyrs who paid the ultimate price of terrorism.

“We cannot compensate those who lost their loved ones, but can make a gesture to acknowledge and honour their invaluable sacrifices,” he said.

Earlier, at the launch of the new visa policy, the PM Kakar 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.”

A country’s visa policy was the cornerstone of its economic roadmap, he added.