Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir has said that Afghanistan must make a clear choice between Pakistan and what he described as Fitna al-Khawarij, warning that continued militancy poses a serious threat to regional stability.
Addressing the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference, Field Marshal Asim Munir said that nearly 70 per cent of the formations of Fitna al-Khawarij operating against Pakistan originate from Afghan territory. He added that terrorism targeting innocent Pakistani civilians, including children, is being carried out with the backing of the Afghan Taliban.
The defence chief stressed that in any Islamic state, only the state has the authority to issue orders or religious edicts related to jihad. He said no individual or group can assume this role, emphasising that such actions undermine both religion and state authority.
“The blood of our Pakistani children is being spilled, and the hands behind it are in Afghanistan. Nearly 70% of TTP tashkeels are Afghan.”
🇵🇰 Field Marshal Asim Munir exposed the Afghan Taliban’s support for Indian-backed terrorists in front of Islamic scholars. pic.twitter.com/sWbUBmVXUC
— Zardan Sangzi (@ZardanSi) December 21, 2025Field Marshal Asim Munir also said that Allah had honoured Pakistan with a special responsibility, referring to the country’s role as the guardian of the Holy Sanctuaries. He noted a deep resemblance between the State of Madinah and the State of Pakistan, stating that both were founded on the principle of Kalima Tayyaba during the blessed month of Ramadan. According to him, this shared foundation places a unique responsibility on Pakistan within the Muslim Ummah.
Referring to recent security operations, the army chief said that divine help was witnessed and felt during Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos. He added that nations which abandon the intellectual and ideological legacy of their forefathers, as well as the power of the pen, eventually face decline.
Reiterating his earlier stance, Field Marshal Asim Munir said that the authority to declare or authorise jihad rests solely with the state. He warned that allowing non-state actors to misuse religious concepts can lead to chaos, weaken societies, and threaten long-term peace and stability.
