Jihad is State’s decision, Not for individuals or groups: DG ISPR

KARACHI: DG Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) and Pak Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry opined that only the state can declare jihad, cautioning against the use of religious terms by individuals and groups in the wrong sense.

Speaking to religious and community leaders in Karachi, the ISPR chief emphasized the need for equality, coexistence, and constitutional rights for all Pakistanis, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.

Pakistan is the country of all its citizens. Our Constitution safeguards the rights of all religious communities,” Lt Gen Sharif stated. “Sectarian or ethnic animosity stems from ignorance. Our most effective weapon is unity, and if we unite, no foreign power can vanquish us.

He also strongly condemned New Delhi for supporting terrorism in Pakistan and for Modi backing terrorism here, and added that the Pakistan Army is fighting such threats with new strategies and unflinching national will.

On the question of extremism and religious manipulation, the army spokesperson made it clear, “Declaring jihad is not within the jurisdiction of any group or individual. Only the state has this authority under Islamic principles and the law of the land.”

DG ISPR‘s initiative was greeted enthusiastically by the participants, who appreciated the army‘s open outreach to various communities. Participants urged more of such efforts to foster confidence, enhance interfaith harmony, and forge a cohesive Pakistan.