Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), emphasized that the authority to declare jihad rests solely with the state, and no individual or group possesses the right to do so. He made this statement during a meeting in Karachi with representatives from various religious communities and social circles, where participants lauded the Pakistan Army’s role in fostering national unity and harmony.
“The prerogative of declaring jihad lies only with the state. No individual or group is authorized to make such declarations,” Lt Gen Sharif asserted. He stressed that promoting peace and unity across all segments of society is essential to counter both internal and external threats.
During the interaction, the ISPR DG highlighted that followers of all religions are equal citizens of Pakistan, and the Constitution guarantees full rights to all communities residing in the country. “The foundation of national unity lies in the principles of equality and mutual respect. Discrimination based on ethnicity, language, or religion is contrary to our national values,” he stated, adding that hatred on such grounds is a form of ignorance that must be collectively rejected.
Addressing regional security challenges, Lt Gen Sharif accused India of supporting terrorism in Pakistan. He confirmed that the armed forces are responding effectively with a modern warfare strategy to counter this threat. He also reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national integrity and called for unity among the people, declaring, “If we remain united, no force can defeat us.”
The meeting, attended by representatives from various religious minorities and civil society groups, aimed to promote dialogue and understanding among different communities. Participants expressed gratitude for the army’s outreach efforts and underscored the importance of continuing such engagements to strengthen interfaith harmony.
