No organisation or group, apart from the state, has a monopoly over the use of force or armed activity, and such activities by entities other than the state are intolerable. Extremism and intolerance towards religious minorities have no space.
This was stated by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in an interaction with ulema and religious scholars of all schools of thought in Rawalpindi on Friday.
In a statement issued by the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the meeting, the ulema and religious scholars unanimously condemned sectarianism, extremism and terrorism. They pledged their continued support for the untiring efforts of the state and security forces for bringing tolerance, peace and stability in the country.
"Pakistan belongs to all Pakistanis without any religious, provincial, tribal, linguistic, ethnic, sectarian or any other distinction. The use of force and armed action by any militia, entity or group other than the state is unacceptable," COAS concluded.
The army chief added that intolerance or extremism against any person or group had no space in our society, especially towards minorities and the vulnerable segments of society.
Lauding the 'Paigham-e-Pakistan' fatwa (edict) unanimously issued by religious scholars to nullify the misleading propaganda disseminated by extremists and terrorists, the army chief called upon the Ulema and Mashaikh to propagate and implement the edict in letter and spirit and shun internal schisms.
The army chief highlighted the role of the ulema in harnessing the youth towards understanding the Quran and Sunnah and building their character alongside other academic knowledge and technical skills.
The ulema underscored that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony, and any skewed or distorted interpretations of the religion by certain entities for their vested interests have nothing to do with Islamic teachings.
The forum unanimously supported the government's recent measures to protect the state, including repatriating illegal foreigners, implementing the One-Document Regime, anti-smuggling and hoarding measures and anti-power theft drive.
They also fully acknowledged Pakistan's position and concerns on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and urged Kabul to take serious actions to address Pakistan's valid concerns.
The forum also expressed anguish on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and atrocities being committed against the unfortunate people of Gaza and termed them as crimes against humanity.