RAWALPINDI – Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir delivered a historic speech at National Ulema Convention, where he highlighted the critical need for unity, moderation, and adherence to both Sharia and Constitution in Pakistan.
The top general started his address with importance of eradicating corruption, which acrroerding to him is sheer crime. COAS affirmed that Pakistan Army is committed to eliminating such corruption in accordance with Islamic rule. “Those who do not accept Sharia and the Constitution, we do not consider them as Pakistanis,” the Army Chief stated, underscoring the significance of these guiding principles.
Sharing his views on Pakistan’s decades-long hospitality towards Afghan refugees, COAS urged against any hostility towards Afghanistan, a neighboring and brotherly Islamic country, stressing the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the people of KPK, particularly Pashtun community, in fight against terrorism, emphasizing the nation’s solidarity with them. In address to the menace posed by the Khawarij, COAS quoted Allama Iqbal, cautioning against the misuse of religious and educational institutions to spread extremism.
COAS also called for peaceful protests, rejecting any form of violence or extremism, reminding that there is no compulsion in religion according to Islamic teachings. He condemned the backing of terrorism by criminal and smuggler mafias and highlighted the dangers of social media being used to spread unrest.
On the sanctity of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Army Chief made it clear that any disrespect towards the Prophet Muhammad SAW would not be tolerated. “If anyone attempts to create unrest in Pakistan, I swear by the Almighty, we will stand against them,” he pledged.
In his address, COAS stressed that no external power could harm Pakistan, asserting that the country was built to endure. He also called on scholars and religious leaders to promote patience, unity, and moderation within society.
He concluded the speech with reminder of Pakistan’s unique identity and strength, drawing on the words of Great Allama Iqbal. General Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause and expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Gaza, urging the nation to strengthen itself to safeguard its sovereignty.
The address has been widely regarded as a clarion call for national unity, moderation, and the upholding of both religious and constitutional values in the face of internal and external challenges.
More to follow…
