COAS vows firm response to terrorism

Engages Ulema on security, national harmony

RAWALPINDI:

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said on Thursday that Pakistan would not tolerate use of Afghan soil for terrorism against the Pakistani people.

In an interaction here with Shia Ulema, Field Marshal Asim reiterated the resolve to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure, operating against Pakistan, wherever they might be, through precise, intelligence-based operations.

Matters of national security and role of Ulema in societal harmony came under discussion during the interaction, according to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Field Marshal Asim underscored the vital role of Ulema in promoting unity, tolerance and national cohesion, particularly in countering misinformation, sectarian narratives and externally-sponsored destabilisation efforts.

The army chief highlighted Pakistan's efforts and pro-active diplomacy in seeking regional de-escalation. He emphasised that religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence in the country. Violence in Pakistan on the basis of incidents in another country will not be tolerated, he added.

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, the press release said.