Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, has stated that the authority to declare jihad lies solely with the state, emphasizing that no individual or group holds the right to make such declarations independently.
Speaking during a special meeting with representatives of various religious communities and social organizations, the ISPR chief underscored the importance of national unity, noting that followers of all religions in Pakistan are equal citizens with full constitutional rights. He stressed that harmony and mutual respect are essential pillars for sustaining national cohesion.
General Sharif also highlighted the threat of terrorism, accusing India of being behind recent acts of violence in Pakistan. He reassured the participants that the Pakistan Army is effectively countering these threats through modern warfare strategies and intelligence-based operations.
Rejecting all forms of ethnic and linguistic discrimination, the ISPR DG remarked that such divisions are rooted in ignorance. “All Pakistanis are equal, and if we stand united, no force in the world can defeat us,” he said.
Participants from religious and social groups welcomed the dialogue, expressing appreciation for the Army’s outreach and called for continued engagement to promote peace and understanding across all segments of society.
