Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday vowed to stand resolutely against any attempt to create chaos in the country.
Addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, General Munir emphasised that the greatest crime in the eyes of Allah is the spread of chaos on earth.
He assured the nation that the Pakistan Army is striving to eliminate unrest and disorder by divine guidance.
"We will stand before anyone who tries to create chaos in Pakistan, by God," the Army Chief declared, reinforcing the military’s commitment to preserving peace and stability in the country.
He further highlighted Pakistan's longstanding support for Afghan refugees, stating that the country has hosted millions of Afghans for over four decades. "We urge them not to oppose their neighbour, a brotherly Islamic country, and a long-time friend, for the sake of Kharijite sedition," he said, urging the Afghan population to maintain peaceful relations.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made by the Pakhtun community and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism, General Munir expressed the Army's solidarity with them, appreciating their efforts and resilience.
The Army chief also addressed the issue of extremism, reiterating that "there is no coercion in religion" as per the teachings of Islam. He condemned the backing of terrorism by criminal and smuggling mafias, warning that anarchy is being spread through social media platforms.
In his remarks on the sanctity of the Prophethood, General Munir stressed that no one has the audacity to disrespect the Holy Prophet (PBUH), asserting that the protection of religious values remains paramount.
"Pakistan is built to last," he affirmed, stating that no external force can harm the nation. He expressed the willingness of millions of Pakistanis, including politicians and scholars, to sacrifice for the country, emphasizing that "Pakistan is more important than us."
Drawing lessons from the turmoil in Iraq, Syria, and Libya, the Army Chief called on religious scholars to promote tolerance and unity rather than extremism or discrimination. He urged the Ulama to reject corruption and to restore moderation in society.
General Munir also criticized Western civilization, asserting that it is not an ideal for Pakistan. "We should be proud of our culture," he said, encouraging a renewed sense of national pride.
Concluding his address, the COAS touched upon the unresolved issue of Kashmir, describing it as an "unfinished agenda" of the partition. He also expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Gaza, highlighting the need for Pakistan to strengthen itself in the face of such global challenges.
Shehbaz says govt-army chief unity is in best interest of Pakistan
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that there is a need for national unity, consensus and togetherness in Pakistan, adding that the army chief and the government share the best interest of Pakistan.
Addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, the prime minister said that Pakistan came into being after lots of bloodshed, and a supreme movement was launched for freedom under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The 77th Independence Day of Pakistan will be celebrated with great enthusiasm on August 14, he remarked.
The PM further urged the clerics present to help stop the division and differences in society. He said the collective weaknesses and achievements of the past 77 years should be placed forward, and the nation should learn from the past to work hard day and night.
PM Sharif said: "We have to find a solution to the social and economic challenges facing the country. The current relationship that the government and constitutional institutions enjoy has never been seen before."
He said that the facts are being distorted on social media with rampant use of abusive language, martyrs are being desecrated. "The characters of May 9, 2023 violence did not leave any stone unturned. The anti-nationalism of those who claim to be Pakistani must be recognised."
Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is facing a serious economic situation, adding that after taking over the reins of the government, whichever country he visited, it was deemed he was asking for loans. "If we decide to get rid of debts, no one can stop us. The government is trying its best to get the country out of the economic difficulties. If God wills, this IMF program will be the last one," he vowed.
