ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir said on Saturday militant groups had “no religious or ideological moorings” and wanted to force their own worldview on others by adopting power tactics while visiting the Karachi Police Office that came under attack a day before.

A group of Pakistani Taliban forced their way into the police precinct on Friday before security forces launched a counteroffensive and killed all three of them before regaining control of the building. The incident also claimed the lives of at least four security personnel while injuring about 17 others.

The army chief and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah were briefed about the attack and how the police facility was reclaimed during an official gathering at the Corps Headquarters.

“Terrorists have no religious or ideological moorings, rather only misguided conception forced through coercion or inducement,” the army chief was quoted in a statement circulated by the military’s media wing, ISPR. “Contrary to political and other distractions being faced by the public, the security forces remain singularly focused on [counterterrorism] and Intelligence based operations (IBOs) which are being conducted all over the country with pronounced success.”

However, he maintained it was not possible for any nation to overcome the challenge of militancy by solely relying on force.

“It needs mutual trust, will of the people and synergy between all stakeholders,” he added. “Pakistanis have always rejected and defeated terrorism and extremism in all its manifestations. Together we shall prevail upon this menace for a shared prosperous future.”

Earlier in the day, the inspector general of Sindh police, Ghulam Nabi, constituted a five-member committee to investigate the militant attack.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said the country would not only “root out terrorism” but also fight until the militants were brought to justice.