ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Syed Asim Munir has said that only the state has the power to declare jihad or issue fatwas in an Islamic country.
Addressing a National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, Gen Munir highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan, including terrorism, national security, regional stability, war preparedness, and the importance of knowledge and intellectual heritage.
Religious scholars from all schools of thought attended the conference in large numbers.
Quoting verses from the Holy Quran and Sayings of the Prophet, he presented Pakistan’s ideological and strategic perspective.
He said both the states of Madina and Pakistan were founded on the basis of Kalima Tayyaba during the holy month of Ramazan and shared moral and spiritual similarities.
He stated that Allah Almighty bestowed upon Pakistan the honor of being the protector of the holy sites, adding that Pakistan’s role as Mohafiz-e-Haramain carries immense responsibility. Referring to Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, he said the assistance of Allah was clearly witnessed and felt during the operation.
Field Marshal Munir condemned terrorism, stating that innocent civilians and children are being targeted through terrorism backed by Afghan Taliban elements.
He claimed that around 70 percent of militants linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij operating in Pakistan originate from Afghanistan. He stressed that Afghanistan must choose between supporting extremist elements or maintaining peaceful relations with Pakistan.
He further warned that nations which abandon the intellectual and scholarly legacy of their forefathers and neglect the power of knowledge and the pen eventually face decline and instability.
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