There has been a storm on social media regarding the recent meeting between Field Marshal Asim Munir and Shia scholars. Certain anti-Pakistan elements sitting abroad are taking the meeting out of context, distorting facts, and attempting to create chaos and sectarian divisions in Pakistan. Field Marshal Asim Munir invited 23 Shia scholars for an iftar dinner on March 18. This meeting took place at a time when, due to the Iran-Israel war and the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, the Shia community as well as all Pakistanis are in grief, and Pakistan is facing security challenges. The purpose of this meeting was to promote sectarian harmony, improve law and order, and directly engage on sensitive religious matters.
During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir mentioned his meetings with Ayatollah Khamenei, stating that he had met him three times, that Khamenei held affection for him, and that he felt the same grief over his martyrdom as the Shia community does. The Field Marshal also reportedly said that he stands with Iran in the US-Iran conflict and God willing, Iran will emerge as a victorious nation. During the discussion, when incidents of terrorism in Gilgit-Baltistan were mentioned, the Field Marshal became emotional. He stated that those who attack military installations and martyr soldiers deserve no leniency, and if they do not love Pakistan, they should leave the country. This statement was made in the context of terrorist elements involved in violent incidents in Gilgit-Baltistan. His remarks align with the state’s policy against terrorism. Unfortunately, after the meeting, certain individuals including some politically affiliated clerics and so-called journalists living abroad made the meeting controversial and began negative propaganda against the army, which deserves strong condemnation.
Israel has long considered Iran and Pakistan as major obstacles to the idea of “Greater Israel.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has openly stated that the biggest threats to Israel are Iran and Pakistan. Field Marshal Asim Munir, especially after Pakistan’s victory in the recent Pakistan-India “Battle of Truth,” has become a target for India and Israel. Hostile forces are attempting to weaken Pakistan, and creating internal instability is their easiest tool. These adversaries know that as long as Field Marshal Asim Munir leads the army, they cannot dare cast an evil eye on Pakistan. He is seen as a strong and resilient leader. His faith, including being a Hafiz-e-Quran is often cited as a source of his strength. He stated that Pakistan received divine support in the “Battle of Truth” which we witnessed. Enemy countries are also unhappy with Pakistan’s defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, under which Pakistan has provided a nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, they seek to weaken both Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Pakistan Army by fostering sectarian divisions within the country. History shows that when a country’s military weakens, chaos and civil war follow examples include Iraq, Libya, Syria, and others. It is essential that religious scholars, intellectuals, and the general public act responsibly. No cleric, regardless of sect, should be allowed to play with national security, and strict action must be taken against such individuals.
The Shia scholars and community are urged not to become part of negative propaganda, not to play into the hands of anti-state elements, and to support the Pakistan Army and its leadership so the country can effectively face its challenges.
It is encouraging that, due to the efforts of the Govt of Pakistan and Field Marshal Asim Munir who made a personal on Monday to Donald Trump and persuading him toward ceasefire and dialogue, who agreed to a ceasefire with Iran and postponed attacks on Iranian power facilities for five days to allow negotiations despite Israel’s reluctance. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with Iran’s leadership, which yielded positive results. Further developments are expected, including a potential visit by the US Secretary of State to Islamabad to meet Iranian officials. At a time when Field Marshal Asim Munir’s efforts have reportedly helped bring the US and Iran closer to a ceasefire and peace, criticizing him amounts to hostility toward the state. Such individuals are neither friends of Pakistan nor Iran.
