We don't strike our enemy from hiding, we confront and vanquish them openly: Asim Munir

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that in an Islamic state, no one other than the state itself can declare jihad.

He was addressing the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad today.

The Field Marshal urged the Ulema to play their role in fostering national unity and broadening the vision of the people.

Declaring the defence pact with Saudi Arabia a historic development, he said the State of Tayyiba and the State of Pakistan share a deep connection, and Allah Almighty has granted Pakistan the honour of being the guardian of the Haramain among all Muslim countries.

Highlighting the importance of knowledge, Syed Asim Munir said that a nation which abandons knowledge and the pen becomes a victim of chaos and corruption.

He stressed that honour and strength are not achieved through division, but through hard work and knowledge.

The Chief of Defence Forces declared that terrorism has never been Pakistan’s path, instead, it is India’s practice.

He added that Pakistan does not strike the enemy from hiding, rather, it confronts and defeats them openly.

He underscored that the nation emerged victorious in the Marka-e-Haq with the blessings of Allah Almighty.

At the conclusion of his address, he chanted long live Pakistan

PM Shehbaz urges Ulema to promote harmony, brotherhood

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without eliminating terrorism, extremism and sectarianism from the country.

He was addressing the National Ulema Convention in Islamabad today.

The Prime Minister urged religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarianism and promoting unity, harmony and brotherhood among all schools of thought. Shehbaz Sharif said creating an atmosphere of national cohesion was essential for ensuring the country's prosperity and future progress.

Calling out the menace of terrorism, he said the Khawarij were carrying out attacks and targeting innocent citizens and security personnel. He said he often met families of martyred soldiers who expressed pride in the sacrifices of their sons for the country.

As regards the economy, the prime minister said Pakistan had reached a stage from where it was about to take off towards accelerated growth. He said the country's political and military leadership had worked tirelessly to steer the nation away from the risk of default.

Shehbaz Sharif said national unity was indispensable for addressing all challenges facing the country and for achieving long-term stability and development.

The Convention was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir and a large number of religious scholars from various schools of thoughts.