ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, on Sunday issued a strong message to militant groups operating with the backing of the Afghan Taliban, warning that their actions are destabilising the region and harming innocent civilians.
Speaking at the National Ulema and Mashaykh Conference in Islamabad, the army chief addressed key national issues including terrorism, internal security, regional challenges, defence readiness, and the importance of education in building a resilient society.
Quoting verses from the Holy Qur’an, Field Marshal Munir presented Pakistan’s ideological and strategic outlook, stressing unity, faith, and responsibility. He stated that among the 57 Muslim countries, Pakistan has been honoured with the responsibility of safeguarding the Haramain Sharifain, calling it a distinction of immense spiritual and strategic importance.
He said Pakistan’s identity as Muhafiz-e-Harmain Sharifain reflects national pride and is the result of strong defence cooperation and sincere military diplomacy, particularly with Saudi Arabia. Strategic defence agreements, including SMDA, were cited as evidence of close coordination between the government and armed forces to promote regional peace and stability.
Highlighting Pakistan’s growing international standing, the COAS referred to Operation Bunyan-e-Marsous as a demonstration of Pakistan’s military resolve, especially in the face of Indian aggression, while reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the protection of holy Islamic sites.
Drawing ideological parallels, he said Pakistan and Riyasat-e-Madina share foundational values rooted in the Kalima-e-Tayyaba, and that Pakistan’s role in protecting the Haramain is guided by divine responsibility.
He further stated that Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos reflected divine support, strengthening national morale and faith. Acknowledging threats on both eastern and western borders, he emphasized the need for continuous modernization and heightened vigilance.
The army chief assured that the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to counter both conventional and unconventional threats.
Turning to Afghanistan, Field Marshal Munir said that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) poses a direct challenge to the state’s authority, and restoring the writ of the government remains a constitutional responsibility. He stressed that only the state has the authority to declare jihad, rejecting any legitimacy claimed by individuals or groups.
He revealed that nearly 70 percent of militants linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij operating from Afghanistan are Afghan nationals, pointing towards external support for terrorism. He concluded by stating that Pakistan’s sacrifices for Afghanistan have been repaid with violence, urging Afghan authorities to either cooperate with Pakistan or stop providing sanctuary to militant elements.
