ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir underscored the need for national unity, rejection of extremism, and adherence to the writ of the state, saying that no individual or group has the authority to declare jihad in any Islamic state.

He made these remarks during his address at the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference held in Islamabad on Dec. 10, according to the details shared by PTV on Sunday.

Field Marshal Munir spoke at length on the challenges facing Pakistan, including terrorism, national security, regional developments, military preparedness, and the importance of knowledge.

The conference was attended by religious scholars and clerics representing various schools of thought from across the country.

The army chief said Pakistan had been bestowed with the responsibility of being “protector of the holy sites,” adding that there was a deep ideological and historical linkage between the State of Madinah and the State of Pakistan.

He noted that both were established on the foundation of the Kalima during the holy month of Ramazan.

He said nations that abandoned their intellectual and scholarly heritage and the power of the pen eventually declined, stressing the importance of knowledge and thought leadership for national progress.

Referring to counter-terrorism operations, Field Marshal Munir said Pakistan had witnessed divine assistance during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. He reiterated that the state alone had the authority to issue decrees related to jihad, warning against the misuse of religious narratives.

The army chief also expressed concern over terrorism targeting innocent civilians, including women and children, alleging that such acts were being carried out with the backing of Afghan Taliban elements. He said formations linked to “Fitna al-Khawarij” operating from Afghanistan included a significant number of Afghan nationals.

Field Marshal Munir said Afghanistan would have to choose between supporting extremist elements and maintaining relations with Pakistan, adding that terrorism posed a serious threat to regional stability.

The army chief concluded by calling for collective efforts to counter extremism, safeguard national security, and promote unity based on Pakistan’s ideological foundations.

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CDF calls for unity against terrorism, stresses state’s authority on jihad