It is essential to always draw a clear distinction between legitimate political expression and mob violence. Peaceful protest is a democratic right and an important channel for public sentiment. However, when demonstrations turn violent, they weaken the moral force of the cause they claim to support and provide justification for harsh crackdowns, thereby escalating tensions further.
In this context, the outreach by Chief of Army Staff and Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to religious leaders was, in principle, a step in the right direction. At a time of heightened regional volatility, engagement with community influencers can help promote restraint and reinforce national cohesion.
It is, however, important to note that sentiment in Pakistan today is not confined to any one sect.
Sympathy for Iran, particularly in light of the ongoing violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, cuts across religious and social lines.
Any attempt to manage the domestic response must reflect this broader consensus rather than risk fragmenting it. A more inclusive approach, bringing together ulema and leaders from all sects, would have conveyed a stronger and more unifying message.
Saleem Murad, Karachi
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026