KARACHI: In a time of heightened regional tension and growing internal challenges, Pakistan’s top military spokesperson has delivered a clear and timely message: Only the state can declare jihad — not individuals, not groups.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), made the statement during his official visit to Karachi on Sunday, where he met with community leaders, professionals, and citizens from various backgrounds.
Speaking on the importance of unity and constitutional rights, Lt Gen Chaudhry said, “No one has the authority to call for jihad except the state. This is a matter of national security, discipline, and responsibility.”
He emphasized that Pakistan belongs to all its citizens — regardless of religion, language, or ethnicity, and that the Constitution guarantees equal rights to everyone. “Dividing people on the basis of race, sect, or language weakens us. But if we remain united, no force in the world can defeat us.”
His remarks come in the wake of a recent flare-up between Pakistan and India, following a militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir. The attack triggered a brief but intense four-day exchange between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with missile strikes, drone activity, and cyberattacks reported on both sides.
The confrontation ended as suddenly as it began, reportedly after U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire at India’s request.
Lt Gen Chaudhry didn’t mince words about India’s role in Pakistan’s internal unrest. “India is actively supporting terror groups inside our borders,” he said. “But Pakistan’s armed forces are fully aware and responding with modern warfare strategies — from intelligence to cyber operations.”
Referring particularly to the situation in Balochistan, he pointed out that India has long been accused of using proxies to destabilize Pakistan. “We have the evidence. We are responding.”
The ISPR chief’s message was received warmly in Karachi, where he was welcomed by community members and security officials. His visit was part of the military’s outreach to strengthen trust, awareness, and solidarity among Pakistanis at a time when the country faces both external aggression and internal fault lines.
“This is our shared homeland,” he said. “And our strength comes not from weapons alone — but from our people standing together, for each other.”
