Sharia and Constitution
On Thursday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir declared that individuals who do not recognize both Sharia law and the Pakistani Constitution are not considered true Pakistanis.
This statement was made during his address at the Ulema-Mashaikh Conference held in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also in attendance. The conference brought together religious scholars from across the country.
General Munir emphasized that, according to Islamic principles, corruption is the gravest sin on earth. He highlighted the Pakistan Army’s ongoing efforts to combat and eradicate corruption.
His comments reflected a strong stance on aligning national values with religious teachings and constitutional principles.
During the conference, the army chief paid tribute to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
He reassured them of the army’s unwavering support, particularly for their Pashtun brothers. General Munir also referred to the concept of “Khawarij,” a term used by Allama Iqbal to describe those who deviate from divine commands, leading to disorder and injustice.
He reiterated that the army’s designation of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij” aligns with this historical context.
Earlier this month, the Pakistani government had banned the TTP along with two other militant groups: Majeed Brigade and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.
Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry explained that these groups would now be termed “khariji” or outcasts due to their disruptive actions, which are deemed contrary to both Islam and Pakistan’s interests.
General Munir also addressed issues related to militant and smuggling networks, warning against attempts to incite discord through social media.
He underscored the need for peaceful protest and adherence to divine commands, while firmly rejecting any form of extremism.
The army chief cautioned that no force in the world could undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty and stressed the importance of maintaining national unity.
Reflecting on international conflicts, he urged Pakistani religious scholars and leaders to promote tolerance and unity, countering extremism and division.
He reiterated the significance of embracing Pakistan’s own cultural values over Western ideals and highlighted the Kashmir issue as an unresolved aspect of the partition of India and Pakistan.
Finally, General Munir expressed profound sorrow over the suffering of the Palestinian people, underscoring the need for Pakistan to fortify itself to ensure its security and protect its interests.
His speech was a blend of national pride, religious commitment, and a call for unity against internal and external challenges.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
