RAWALPINDI — Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has declared that there will be zero tolerance toward violence in Pakistan triggered by “happenings in foreign countries,” emphasizing the need for national unity and sectarian harmony.
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement released Thursday, the Field Marshal interacted with ulema of the Ahl-e-Tasheeh community in Rawalpindi, where matters of national security and the role of religious scholars in promoting societal cohesion were discussed.
Role of Ulema in National Cohesion
The Field Marshal underscored the vital role of ulema in promoting unity, tolerance, and national cohesion, particularly in countering misinformation, sectarian narratives, and externally sponsored destabilization efforts.
He emphasized that religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence within the country, reiterating that violence in Pakistan on the basis of incidents occurring in another country will not be tolerated.
Operation Ghazab lil Haq and Afghan Soil
Referring to ongoing military operations, including Operation Ghazab lil Haq, Asim Munir emphasized that Pakistan will not tolerate the use of Afghan soil for the conduct of terrorism against its people.
He reiterated the resolve to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure operating against Pakistan, wherever they may be, through precise, intelligence-based operations. The Field Marshal emphasized that the Afghan Taliban must prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorism directed at Pakistan.
Regional Diplomacy
The Field Marshal also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts and proactive diplomacy in seeking regional de-escalation, briefing the participants on the country’s engagements with regional and international partners.
Ulema’s Response
The participating ulema expressed their desire for peace and stability, condemning violence in the name of religion in the strongest terms. They voiced wholehearted support for law enforcement agencies in their efforts to bring about peace and stability across the country.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by military leadership to engage religious scholars in maintaining national cohesion and countering extremist narratives, particularly during a period of heightened regional tensions.
