Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir: Only State Can Declare Jihad was the central message at the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad. The Chief of Defence Forces said no individual or group has the right to declare jihad, as in an Islamic state this authority rests solely with the government. He reminded participants that victories in righteous battles come only with Allah’s support. He called upon religious scholars to strengthen unity among the people and encourage a broader, more enlightened vision for Pakistan.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir further stated that Allah has given Pakistan the honour of protecting holy sites among Muslim states. He warned that nations that choose ignorance over knowledge trap themselves in chaos. He described the defence partnership between Pakistan and the state of Tayyaba (Saudi Arabia) as historic, adding that it reflects deep-rooted ties between the two trusted allies.
He openly declared India a source of terrorism, saying that Pakistan faces its enemy in the open rather than attacking from the shadows. According to him, respect and power are achieved through knowledge and hard work, not through division. He said terrorism is not Pakistan’s habit, and the entire world can witness India’s role in spreading unrest, while Pakistan confronts threats with clarity and courage.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the gathering. He highlighted the urgent need to eliminate sectarianism and asked scholars to counter such narratives. He said some religious figures still promote division and that ending sectarianism is essential for unity. He said Pakistan is pushing toward economic revival, but terrorism and progress cannot coexist. He warned that militants crossing from Afghanistan are causing the martyrdom of Pakistanis, while innocent civilians in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue to fall victim to extremist violence. According to him, no nation succeeds with shortcuts. Real development needs day and night hard work and national unity.
