Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir interacted with the ulema of the Ahl-e-Tasheeh community at Rawalpindi, where matters of national security and the role of Ulema in societal harmony came under discussion.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the meeting focused on fostering national cohesion, religious tolerance and stability amid evolving security challenges.

The Field Marshal underscored the vital role of Ulema in promoting unity, tolerance and national cohesion, particularly in countering misinformation, sectarian narratives and externally sponsored destabilisation efforts.

Referring to Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, he emphasised that Pakistan will not tolerate the use of Afghan soil for the conduct of terrorism against its people, and reiterated the resolve to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure operating against Pakistan wherever they may be, through precise, intelligence-based operations.

He emphasised that the Afghan Taliban must prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan.

The Field Marshal highlighted to the participants Pakistan’s efforts and proactive diplomacy in seeking regional de-escalation.

He emphasised the critical role of Ulema to strengthen unity and counter extremism, reiterating that religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence in the country.

Violence in Pakistan, on the basis of incidents occurring in another country, will not be tolerated, the statement added.

During the meeting, the participating Ulema expressed their desire for peace and stability, and condemned violence in the name of religion in the strongest terms.

They expressed wholehearted support for law enforcement agencies in bringing about peace and stability in the country.