Only State Can Declare Jihad: COAS Munir

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that in any Islamic state, no one except the state can declare a ‘jihad’ or issue a ‘fatwa’.

“Our innocent citizens and children are being targeted through terrorism with the support of the Afghan Taliban. Around 70 percent of the formations of Fitna al-Khawarij that come from Afghanistan include Afghans,” he expressed these views at the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference, which was earlier held on December 10. The details were shared with the media through a statement on Sunday.

He went on to say that Afghanistan will have to choose either Fitna al-Khawarij or Pakistan.

Asim Munir discussed in detail the challenges facing the country, terrorism, national security issues, Pakistan’s emerging role in the world, war preparations, and the importance of knowledge.

He said the nation emerged victorious in Marka-e-Haq with the blessings of Allah Almighty. Terming the defence agreement with Saudi Arabia a historic development, the CDF said there is a deep connection between the State of Tayyiba and Pakistan.

He said the State of Islam and the State of Pakistan were established in the blessed month of Ramadan. The reason for the similarity between the two states is that the Lord of the Universe made them the custodians of the two holy mosques, he said.

“Among all Muslim countries, “Allah Almighty” has bestowed upon Pakistan the honour of being the guardian of the Haramain,” he added.