Afghan Taliban Support Terrorism Targeting Pakistani Civilians: Field Marshal

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir has said that terrorism targeting innocent civilians and children in Pakistan is being carried out with the backing of the Afghan Taliban.

Addressing the National Ulema Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, the Field Marshal stated that 70 percent of the formations of Fitna al-Khawarij operating from Afghanistan consist of Afghan nationals. He said Afghanistan would have to choose between Fitna al-Khawarij and Pakistan.

In his address, Field Marshal Asim Munir spoke in detail about the challenges facing the country, terrorism, national security, Pakistan’s emerging role in the international community, war preparedness, and the importance of knowledge.

Read more: Army Fully Prepared to Counter Divisive Threats: CDF Asim Munir

Referring to verses from the Holy Quran and poetry, he presented his perspective on Pakistan, saying that Allah Almighty has granted Pakistan the honor of being among the guardians of the holy sites in the Islamic world. He added that there is a deep connection and similarity between the State of Madinah and the State of Pakistan, noting that both were established on the foundation of the Kalima during the blessed month of Ramadan.

The Field Marshal said he witnessed and felt Allah’s help during Operation Bunyān al-Marsūs, and emphasized that in any Islamic state, no one other than the state has the authority to issue a fatwa or order for jihad.

He further stated that nations which abandon the intellectual and scholarly legacy of their ancestors and the power of the pen fall into decline.