Army chief calls for unity, warns against extremism as Shiite ulama back state efforts for peace, stability
Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir interacts with a religious scholar during his meeting with ulama of Ahl-e-Tasheeh community in Rawalpindi PHOTO: ISPR
Chief of Defense Force (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir said violence in Pakistan triggered by incidents in other countries would not be tolerated.
He made the remarks during a meeting with ulama and religious scholars of the Shia community in Rawalpindi, during which national security, social harmony and the role of religious leaders were discussed, according to a statement issued by the army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The army chief highlighted the important role of ulama in promoting unity, tolerance and national cohesion, particularly in combating disinformation, sectarian rhetoric and externally sponsored destabilization efforts.
Munir briefed the participants on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at regional de-escalation and stressed that religious sentiments should not be exploited to incite violence. “Violence in Pakistan, based on incidents in another country, will not be tolerated,” he said.
The participating ulama expressed their desire for peace and stability and strongly condemned the violence perpetrated in the name of religion. They also reaffirmed their full support to the law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and stability across 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 terrorist purposes against its people. He reiterated the determination to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure through precise intelligence-driven operations wherever they 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 following the meeting. They paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs and appreciated the role of the Pakistani armed forces in reducing regional tensions.
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Maulana Zahid Abbas Kazmi said that as president of Wahdat Ulema-e-Islam, the organization stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the Pakistan Army on all fronts.
“The war against terrorism is not only the war of the Pakistani armed forces, but also our war and that of the entire nation,” he said, adding that love for one’s motherland was part of faith.
He also condemned the damage to military properties in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying these had no connection with religious scholars.
Ulema of the Ahl-e-Tasheeh community during their meeting with Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), in Rawalpindi PHOTO: ISPR
Allama Shabbir Hassan Maysami said Pakistan was their country and 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 the Pakistani army had given a strong and effective response to what he described as unprovoked aggression by Afghanistan, adding: “We are Pakistanis; our identity is only Pakistan, and we are proud of it. »
He said a decision was taken at their center that 20 people from each village would join the Pakistani armed forces if necessary.
Allama Arif Wahidi described Pakistan as a source of pride for the Muslim world and a divine blessing obtained on 27 Ramazan. He said the entire nation stood with the armed forces against any external aggression and stressed that Pakistan’s sovereignty remained paramount.
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Allama Mirza Ali urged the youth not to participate in anti-state activities and play a positive role in national stability.
Allama Nazir Abbas Taqvi said groups he called “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” were involved in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, while Allama Tauqeer Abbas reaffirmed his support for the armed forces in safeguarding the integrity of the country.
Allama Muhammad Hussain Najafi said protecting Pakistan was essential to safeguard Muslims and Islam, urging citizens to never allow the country to weaken.
Maulana Basharat Imami paid homage to the martyrs who made lasting sacrifices to defend the motherland, while the scholars collectively offered prayers for national security, stability and upliftment of the ranks of the martyrs.
