Army chief urges unity, warns against extremism as Shia ulema back state efforts for peace and stability
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir interacts with a religious scholar during his meeting with ulema of Ahl-e-Tasheeh community in Rawalpindi PHOTO: ISPR
Chief of Defence 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 with 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 ulema in promoting unity, tolerance and national cohesion, particularly in countering misinformation, sectarian narratives and externally sponsored destabilisation efforts.
Munir briefed 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 occurring 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 for law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and stability across the country, the ISPR statement said.
Referring to Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, Munir emphasised 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-based 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 reaffirming national unity and solidarity at the conclusion of the meeting. They paid tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs and appreciated the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in reducing regional tensions.
Maulana Zahid Abbas Kazmi said that, as chairman of Wahdat Ulema-e-Islam, the organisation stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the Pakistan Army on every front.
“The war against terrorism is not only the war of Pakistan’s armed forces but also our war and that of the entire nation,” he said, adding that love for one’s homeland was part of faith.
He also condemned damage to military property in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying such elements had no connection with religious scholars.
Ulema of Ahl-e-Tasheeh community during their meeting with Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi PHOTO: ISPR
Allama Shabbir Hassan Maysami said Pakistan was their country and that they would continue to make sacrifices for it, adding that they stood firmly 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 made at their centre that 20 people from each village would stand alongside Pakistan’s armed forces if required.
Allama Arif Wahidi described Pakistan as a source of pride for the Muslim world and a divine blessing achieved 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 groups he referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” were involved in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, while Allama Tauqeer Abbas reaffirmed support for the armed forces in safeguarding the country’s integrity.
Allama Muhammad Hussain Najafi said protecting Pakistan was essential for safeguarding Muslims and Islam, urging citizens never to allow the country to weaken.
Maulana Basharat Imami paid tribute to martyrs who made lasting sacrifices in defence of the homeland, while scholars collectively offered prayers for national security, stability and the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.