Army chief calls for unity, warns against extremism as Shia ulema back state’s efforts for peace and stability
Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir interacts with a religious scholar during his meeting with ulema of the Ahl-e-Tasheeh community in Rawalpindi PHOTO: ISPR
Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has said that violence in Pakistan triggered by incidents in other countries will not be tolerated.
He made the remarks during a meeting of ulema and religious scholars from the Shia community in Rawalpindi where national security, social harmony and the role of religious leaders were discussed, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The army chief highlighted the important role of the ulema in promoting unity, tolerance and national cohesion, especially in countering misinformation, sectarian narratives and externally sponsored destabilization efforts.
Munir briefed the participants on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at regional de-escalation and stressed that religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence. “Violence in Pakistan, on the basis of incidents taking place in another country, will not be tolerated,” he said.
The participating ulema expressed their desire for peace and stability and strongly condemned violence carried out in the name of religion. They also reaffirmed full support to law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and stability throughout the country, the ISPR statement said.
Referring to Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, Munir stressed that Pakistan would not tolerate the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against its people. He reiterated the resolve to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure through precise, intelligence-led operations wherever they may operate.
The army chief also stressed that the Afghan Taliban must prevent the use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.
Religious scholars issued messages affirming national unity and solidarity at the end of the meeting. They paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs and appreciated the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces in reducing regional tensions.
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Maulana Zahid Abbas Kazmi said the organization as chairman of Wahdat Ulema-e-Islam stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the Pakistan Army on all fronts.
“The war against terrorism is not only the war of the Pakistan Armed Forces but also ours and the whole nation’s war,” he said, adding that love for his motherland was part of the faith.
He also condemned damage to military property in Gilgit-Baltistan and said such elements had no connection with religious scholars.
Ulema of the Ahl-e-Tasheeh community during their meeting with Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi PHOTO: ISPR
Allama Shabbir Hassan Maysami said that Pakistan was their country and they would continue to sacrifice for it, adding that they stood firm with the state against all internal and external conspiracies.
Maulana Altaf Hussain said Pakistan’s military had given a strong and effective response to what he described as unprovoked aggression from Afghanistan, adding: “We are Pakistanis; our identity is Pakistan alone and we are proud of it.”
He said a decision had been taken at their center that 20 people from each village would stand with the Pakistan Armed Forces if required.
Allama Arif Wahidi described Pakistan as a source of pride for the Muslim world and a divine blessing obtained on the 27th of Ramazan. He said the entire nation stood with the armed forces against external aggression and stressed that Pakistan’s sovereignty remained paramount.
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Allama Mirza Ali urged young people not to become part of anti-state activities and to play a positive role in national stability.
Allama Nazir Abbas Taqvi said that groups he referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” were involved in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, while Allama Tauqeer Abbas affirmed support for the armed forces in protecting the country’s integrity.
Allama Muhammad Hussain Najafi said that protecting Pakistan was essential to protect Muslims and Islam and urged the citizens to never allow the country to weaken.
Maulana Basharat Imami paid tribute to martyrs who made lasting sacrifices in defense of the motherland, while scholars collectively prayed for national security, stability and elevation of the ranks of martyrs.
