Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has launched a sharp attack on India, accusing New Delhi of spreading terrorism in the region. Speaking at the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, Munir claimed that “terrorism is India’s identity” and insisted that Pakistan does not follow such methods.
His remarks come at a time when Pakistan itself continues to face repeated militant attacks, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Asim Munir Says Pakistan Confronts Enemies ‘Openly’
During his address, Munir said Pakistan does not act “from behind the shadows” and instead confronts its enemies directly. He described Pakistan as a nation built on Islamic foundations and argued that the real strength of any country comes from unity, knowledge, and hard work rather than internal divisions.
He used the platform to send a message of national cohesion, urging citizens and religious leaders to come together to support the country’s stability.
Calls Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact ‘Historic’
Munir also praised the recently signed defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calling it a ‘historic milestone’ for the two nations. He claimed that Pakistan has been given the honour and responsibility by Allah to help protect the holy cities of Mecca and Medina something he said no other Muslim country has been granted.
He warned that countries that abandon knowledge and learning eventually fall into chaos. Research, education, and discipline, he added, are the key pillars of progress.
Mentions Jihad; Says Only the State Has the Authority
Addressing rising extremist violence inside Pakistan, Munir referred to the concept of jihad and clarified that only the state has the authority to declare it. He said that no individual or group can take this right into their own hands.
His comments appeared to be aimed at the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which frequently accuses the Pakistani state of abandoning Islamic principles while continuing attacks on security forces.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Also Stresses National Unity
Earlier at the same event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a strong message of unity. He said Pakistan cannot achieve lasting economic growth unless terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism are eliminated. Sharif urged religious scholars to promote harmony across different schools of thought and emphasised that national unity is essential for the country’s future.
