In a powerful address at the National Ulema Convention on Thursday, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir made a solemn vow to prevent anarchy in Pakistan, underscoring the importance of unity and adherence to both Islamic teachings and the country’s Constitution. He opened his speech by citing a profound Islamic teaching, stating, “The greatest sin in the sight of Allah is creating chaos in the land.” He further affirmed that those who do not align themselves with Shariah and the Constitution cannot be considered true Pakistanis.
General Munir’s speech, delivered at a time of critical challenges for Pakistan, was characterized by a call for national solidarity against both internal and external threats. He emphasized that the current climate demands unwavering commitment to the principles that form the foundation of the nation—Islamic values and constitutional rule.
One of the key points in his address was a reflection on Pakistan’s longstanding support for Afghan refugees. For over 40 years, Pakistan has provided sanctuary to millions of Afghan nationals, a gesture that General Munir reminded his audience is rooted in brotherhood and Islamic solidarity. He cautioned the Afghan community against allowing extremist influences, such as those propagated by the Khawarij—a sect historically notorious for sowing discord within the Muslim world—to drive a wedge between them and Pakistan. His message was clear: the bond between Pakistan and Afghanistan is one of fraternity, and it should not be compromised by external or internal forces.
The army chief also paid homage to the sacrifices made by the Pashtun community and the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Their contributions, he said, have been instrumental in maintaining the security and stability of Pakistan. He reaffirmed the nation’s solidarity with these communities, acknowledging the heavy price they have paid in the struggle against extremism.
In his discussion of the threats posed by the Khawarij and other extremist factions, General Munir invoked the wisdom of Allama Iqbal, one of Pakistan’s most revered poets and philosophers. He warned of the dangers that arise when education, wealth, and power are misused against the divine will. This misuse, he explained, leads to the very extremism and discord that Pakistan is currently striving to combat. He emphasized that Islam, a religion of peace and tolerance, does not condone compulsion in matters of faith. Moreover, he condemned the involvement of criminal syndicates and smugglers in supporting terrorism, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the threats facing Pakistan.
General Munir also touched on the misuse of social media as a tool for spreading discord and misinformation. In a stern warning to those who might consider disrespecting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he declared that the honour of the Prophet is inviolable. “No one has the courage to insult the Prophet (PBUH),” he asserted, adding that any attempts to create chaos in Pakistan will be met with firm resistance. He vowed, “By the grace of Allah, we will stand in the way of those who try to disrupt our nation.”
Highlighting the importance of state stability, General Munir urged the people of Pakistan to learn from the fates of countries like Iraq, Syria, and Libya, where internal strife has led to devastating consequences. He called upon religious scholars and leaders to promote a message of tolerance, unity, and moderation within society. He cautioned against the dangers of extremism and discord, which could unravel the social fabric of the nation.
General Munir concluded his address by stressing the value of Pakistan’s unique cultural identity. He rejected the notion that adopting Western lifestyles should be considered ideal, reminding the audience that the true strength of the Muslim community lies in the unity derived from faith, not in racial or national distinctions. Quoting Allama Iqbal once more, he emphasized the importance of preserving this unity in the face of external influences.
Reflecting on the legacy of the two-nation theory, which led to the creation of Pakistan, General Munir posed a poignant question about the current standing of those who once claimed to have buried the theory in the Bay of Bengal. He reiterated that the issue of Kashmir remains an unfinished agenda from the Partition of India—a reminder that the struggle for the rights of Kashmiris continues to be a core concern for Pakistan.
In his final remarks, the army chief expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Gaza, stating that the suffering witnessed there brings tears of blood to the heart. He delivered a powerful message of self-reliance, urging Pakistan to learn from the plight of the Palestinians. “We must ensure our own security and strengthen Pakistan,” he said, emphasizing that the only way to safeguard the nation’s future is through unity, strength, and adherence to the principles that define Pakistan.
