In a stern and thought-provoking address at the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir sent a clear message: no individual or group has the authority to declare jihad only the state can.
The Army Chief highlighted the alarming rise of extremism and the deliberate manipulation of religious sentiments by terrorist networks. “We have witnessed the exploitation of youth under the guise of education, only for them to be drawn into violent extremism,” he said, exposing how innocent minds are being weaponized against society.
Field Marshal Munir revealed that terrorist acts against Pakistani civilians, including children, are being aided and abetted by Afghan Taliban networks.
Shockingly, around 70 percent of Fitna-al-Khawarij operatives entering Pakistan originate from Afghanistan, he noted, emphasizing that Afghanistan must choose between harboring extremism or supporting regional peace.
Drawing a compelling parallel between Riyasat-e-Taiba and Pakistan, Field Marshal Munir underscored the nation’s divine mandate. Both were established on the Kalima-e-Tayyaba during Ramadan, chosen by Allah to serve as guardians of the holy sanctuaries. “Our duty as a nation extends beyond borders we are entrusted with safeguarding faith, values, and morality,” he stressed.
The Army Chief reflected on the success of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, asserting that the presence of divine guidance was clearly felt in the field, reinforcing faith in Pakistan’s armed forces and their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation.
Concluding his speech, Field Marshal Munir warned that nations that abandon the intellectual and moral heritage of their forefathers inevitably spiral into decline.
He urged religious leaders to actively counter extremist narratives, strengthen unity, and uphold the state’s authority, ensuring Pakistan remains a beacon of peace, faith, and stability.
