Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that only the state has the authority to declare jihad and that no individual or group can claim this right, the military’s media wing reported on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the ISPR, Lt Gen Chaudhry held a special meeting in Karachi with representatives of various religious and social communities, engaging in discussions focused on national unity and harmony.
He emphasised that ethnic or linguistic hatred is a form of ignorance. “All citizens of Pakistan, regardless of their faith, are equal under the Constitution and enjoy full rights. National unity is only sustained through equality and harmony, If we remain united, no force can defeat us,” he said.
Addressing the country’s security challenges, he stated, “India is backing terrorism inside Pakistan. The Pakistan Army is responding with modern warfare strategy and full preparedness.”
The participants warmly welcomed the army spokesperson, expressed strong solidarity with the Pakistan Army and appreciated the DG ISPR’s initiative, describing the dialogue as valuable. They also expressed a desire for such interfaith and inter-community discussions to continue regularly, the statement concluded.
