Afghan Taliban backing terrorists, harming civilians, says Field Marshal Asim Munir

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Syed Asim Munir, issued a stern warning to Afghan Taliban-backed terrorists while addressing the National Ulema and Mashaykh Conference in Islamabad today (Sunday).

Addressing the scholars at the conference Field Marshal highlighted the major challenges facing Pakistan, including terrorism, national security, regional developments, military preparedness, and the critical role of education and knowledge in strengthening national resilience.

Quoting verses from the Holy Qur’an, the COAS outlined a principled and coherent vision for Pakistan’s ideological and strategic path.

He underscored that among 57 Islamic nations, Allah Almighty has granted Pakistan the distinct honour of being the custodian of the Haramain Sharifain, a sacred responsibility reflecting the nation’s spiritual and strategic significance in the Muslim world.

Field Marshal Munir stated that Pakistan, as the “Muhafiz-e-Harmain Sharfeen,” carries a unique national honour. He credited sincere military diplomacy and strong defence ties with Saudi Arabia for achieving this recognition.

Pakistan’s military diplomacy, including strategic agreements such as SMDA, demonstrates strong coordination between the Armed Forces and the government to ensure national and regional stability.

He noted that Pakistan’s global stature has strengthened, particularly after Operation Bunyan-e-Marsous, showcasing the nation’s resolve and military capability against India, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the holy sites.

Drawing a parallel, he mentioned that Riyasat-e-Madina and Pakistan share deep ideological foundations, both rooted in the Kalima-e-Tayyaba, with divine guidance entrusting Pakistan with the protection of the Haramain.

Referring to Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, he highlighted that divine assistance was evident, reinforcing faith-driven determination. He emphasized that Pakistan faces full-spectrum threats on both eastern and western fronts, necessitating continuous modernization and vigilance.

COAS reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies remain fully equipped to respond to conventional and unconventional challenges.

Addressing Afghanistan, the Field Marshal highlighted that the TTP challenges the writ of the state, and restoring authority is the sole responsibility of the government. He clarified that the authority to declare jihad rests exclusively with the state, and no individual or group holds that legitimacy.

Asim Munir noted that 70 percent of the “Fitna-al-Khawarij” operatives from Afghanistan are Afghan nationals, indicating external sponsorship of these militant structures. He stressed that Pakistan’s sacrifices for Afghanistan have been met with terrorism and urged Afghanistan to either stand with Pakistan or cease harbouring such elements.