ISLAMABAD – Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has made it clear that only the state has the authority to declare jihad. “No group or individual can make such a decision,” he stressed during an interaction in Karachi on Sunday.
The event brought together members of religious and social communities. They expressed full support for the armed forces and praised the Pakistan Army response to recent national challenges. The gathering followed a major military conflict with India last month, after which army officers have been holding nationwide engagements with civil society.
During the session, Lt Gen Chaudhry underlined that all religious groups in Pakistan are equal citizens. He said every Pakistani, regardless of belief or background, enjoys full constitutional rights. “We can only maintain unity through fairness and respect,” he added.
He also condemned hate based on ethnicity or language. “Such divisions grow from ignorance,” he said. “But as long as we remain united, no force can defeat us.”
While answering a question, he accused India of supporting terrorism within Pakistan. He explained that the Pakistan Army response to these threats involves modern military strategies and advanced technology. “We are confronting our enemy with full preparation,” he said.
The remarks come weeks after a deadly 87-hour-long conflict between Pakistan and India. It was the most intense military confrontation between the two nations in decades. The Pakistan Army response included cross-border operations and defensive strikes.
During the operation, Pakistan shot down six Indian jets, including three Rafales. This action triggered Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos — a swift military retaliation to India’s aggression. The conflict led to the martyrdom of 40 civilians and 13 army personnel in Pakistan.
The battle came to an end on May 10 after a ceasefire was brokered by the United States. The truce helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries.
Lt Gen Chaudhry’s message was clear: the Pakistan Army response is firm, lawful, and in defense of national sovereignty. He assured the people that the army stands ready to defend the nation at all costs.
