Addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad on August 8, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, vowed to stand resolutely against any attempt to create chaos in the country, stating that the Pakistan Army is fully committed to safeguarding national integrity and upholding the principles of Shariah and the Constitution. Gen. Munir emphasised that the greatest crime in the eyes of the Almighty is the spread of corruption, saying: “By God the Army…reinforcing the military’s commitment to preserving peace and stability in the country…country has hosted millions of Afghans for over four decades…We urge them not to oppose a brotherly Islamic country-a long-time friend, for the sake of Kharijite sedition”.
He reiterated: “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. Gen. Munir stressed that no one has the audacity to disrespect the Holy Prophet (PBUH), asserting that the protection of religious values remains paramount. He affirmed, saying: “Pakistan is built to last…No external force can harm the nation…millions of Pakistanis; including politicians and scholars, to sacrifice for the country…Pakistan is more important than us”. He indicated: “Drawing lessons from the turmoil in Iraq, Syria, and Libya…Religious scholars to promote tolerance and unity rather than extremism or discrimination”, and urged the Ulema to reject corruption and to restore moderation in society.
Gen. Asim Munir also criticized Western civilization, emphasizing: “It is not an ideal for Pakistan…We should be proud of our culture, encouraging a renewed sense of national pride”, and expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing atrocities in the Indian Occupied Kashmir, Palestine and Gaza. Regrettably, since the present political crisis started on April 9, 2022 when the former Prime Minister Imran Khan-Chairman of the PTI party was ousted through vote of no-confidence, the then coalition government of PDM led by Shehbaz Sharif of PML (N) party was established, like the U-turns of the past, Khan blamed the present coalition government and former Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa for removing him from power.
Backing out of his previous statement, Imran Khan recently shifted his accusations, no longer blaming America for his ouster as Prime Minister. Despite claiming widespread support, Khan continues to seek negotiations with the establishment. PTI is moving towards conflict by launching an organized social media campaign against Army Chief Gen. Syed Asim Munir. Khan’s actions are seen as detrimental to political and economic stability in Pakistan. The Federal Defense Minister and PML-N leaders, along with other government officials, have criticized PTI for its anti-state ideology, activities and alleged foreign funding.
Islamabad has stated that the US attempted to “interfere” in the country’s internal affairs. Government officials have accused Imran Khan and his party leaders of lobbying foreign powers and the US Congress to speak against Pakistan. In this context, the website Dylo.in (Daily Bite) reported on December 21, 2024: “Multiple audio leaks of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have tarnished his image as an honest man. The latest leaks reveal him as a reformed playboy who, despite presenting himself as deeply religious, is exposed through recordings of explicit phone calls with multiple women.”
While in his various public rallies and statements, former Premier Imran Khan had almost repeated similar contradictory approach—criticising his rival politicians, the Pakistan Army and its former army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa. On the other side, PTI’s former Chairman had repeatedly mentioned his vision of Riyasat-i-Madinah. Speaking on the second day of the two-day National Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen Conference on January 17, 2022, Khan stated: “Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen Authority was formed to make youth familiar about the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
He elaborated: “We can rise as a nation by following the guiding principles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) [who] raised the level of morality in society and created the distinction between good and evil. Muslims of Riyasat-i-Medina had high moral standards and were endowed with values of justice, equity and rule of law.” However, Khan’s guiding principles of Riyasat-i-Madinha regarding Pakistan are quite opposite to his ambivalent statements and recent audio leaks which show his double standards. Ironically, Imran Khan who wanted to make Pakistan Riyasat-i-Madinah has totally ignored the principle of moral ethics, while acting upon secular ideas.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
