Religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence in country: CDF

Emphasising the critical role of religious scholars to strengthen unity and counter extremism, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday reiterated 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 army chief said while interacting with Ulema of Ahl-e-Tashayyu in Rawalpindi where matters of national security and role of Ulema in societal harmony came under discussion, the military’s media wing said. 

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), CDF Munir highlighted Pakistan’s efforts and pro-active diplomacy in seeking regional de-escalation.

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

The participating Ulema expressed their desire for peace, stability, and condemned violence in the name of religion in strongest terms. They expressed wholehearted support to law enforcement agencies in bringing about peace and stability in the country.

COAS Munir also said that Pakistan will not tolerate use of Afghan soil for conduct of terrorism against its people.

The field marshal reiterated the resolve to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure operating against Pakistan wherever they may be, through precise, intelligence-based operations. He emphasised that Afghan Taliban must prevent use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan.

Several people were killed and many others injured, earlier this month, in violent clashes that erupted between protesters and law enforcement personnel outside the US Consulate in Karachi, hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening salvo of a massive US and Israeli attack.

READ MORE: At least 10 dead, 38 injured outside US consulate in Karachi

The confrontation began when demonstrators attempted to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh.

Iranian state television confirmed Khamenei’s death on March 1, hours after US President Donald Trump declared that Khamenei died in the conflict that had defined his rule of Iran, and a senior Israeli official had told Reuters his body had been found following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Following that, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had said peaceful protest was everyone’s right but vandalism under the guise of protest would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Naqvi had said this in a statement during his visit to various areas of Islamabad to review the law and order situation. During his visit to the Red Zone, Diplomatic Enclave, and other key locations, the interior minister had inspected security arrangements and issued directives to ensure foolproof security within the Diplomatic Enclave.

He had emphasised that security arrangements must be comprehensive and complete in every respect, noting that the law will take its course against those who disrupt daily life.