Karachi, June 22 — The military’s top spokesperson has made it clear that in Pakistan, no individual or group has the right to declare jihad — that authority lies solely with the state.
Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry shared these remarks during an interactive session in Karachi on Sunday with members of various religious communities and civil society groups.
His statement comes a little over a month after Pakistan and India engaged in their longest and most intense cross-border skirmish in decades — a conflict that claimed the lives of dozens, including soldiers and civilians. Since then, the army has ramped up outreach to reassure the public and strengthen national unity.
At the gathering, participants praised the armed forces and expressed solidarity, calling the dialogue with the ISPR chief meaningful and asking for more such interactions in the future.
Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed that all citizens, regardless of religion, have equal constitutional rights in Pakistan. “Unity and harmony are the foundations of a strong nation,” he said, adding that ethnic and linguistic divisions often grow from ignorance.
He reiterated that India continues to sponsor terrorism in Pakistan but assured attendees that the military is fully equipped to respond using modern warfare tactics.
Last month’s 87-hour conflict saw Pakistan down six Indian fighter jets — including three Rafales — and launch Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in retaliation for Indian airstrikes. The hostilities ended on May 10 after a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States.
Lt Gen Chaudhry concluded by reminding the audience: “When we stand united, no enemy can defeat us.”
