Religious Sentiments Must Not Be Exploited to Incite Violence in Pakistan: Field Marshal Asim Munir

Rawalpindi, Pakistan (March 19, 2026): Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, has firmly stated that religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence in the country. Any attempt to trigger violence in Pakistan on the basis of incidents occurring in another country will not be tolerated.
The remarks were made during a meeting with prominent ulema from the Shia (Ahl-e-Tasheeh) community in Rawalpindi. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the interaction focused on national security, social harmony, and the pivotal role of religious scholars.
Field Marshal Munir highlighted the critical role of ulema in strengthening national unity, promoting tolerance, and eliminating extremism, especially in countering misinformation, sectarian narratives, and externally sponsored destabilization attempts.
He briefed the participants on Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic efforts for regional de-escalation and called upon the Afghan Taliban to immediately prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. He reiterated the country’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorists and their networks through precise, intelligence-based operations wherever they exist.
The participating scholars strongly condemned violence in the name of religion, expressed their desire for peace and stability across the country, and assured full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
The meeting reflects the Pakistan Armed Forces’ commitment to fostering national cohesion and maintaining zero tolerance for any form of religious or sectarian provocation that threatens internal peace.