Pakistan army chief Asim Munir claims ‘Divine Help’ during May clash with India, warns Taliban
At National Ulema Conference in Islamabad, Munir claimed that Pakistan’s forces felt unseen support during Operation Sindoor
PTC Web Desk: Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has said that the country received what he called “divine help” during the four-day military clash with India in May. Speaking at the National Ulema Conference in Islamabad on December 10, Munir claimed that Pakistan’s forces felt unseen support during the conflict.
Talking about the escalation, Munir referred to India’s Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7. He quoted verses from the Quran while describing the events. India carried out targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians. The strikes led to heavy military action between the two countries, before both sides agreed to stop operations on May 10.
The confrontation was one of the most serious clashes between India and Pakistan in recent years, with intense fighting reported along different fronts before tensions eased.
During the same speech, Munir also sent a strong message to Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers. He said they must decide whether they want to support the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or maintain good relations with Pakistan. While the full speech was not released officially, parts shown on local television and reported by PTI reflected his criticism of Kabul.
Munir claimed that Pakistan continues to face attacks because militants cross over from Afghan territory. He alleged that many of those involved in terror incidents inside Pakistan were Afghan nationals. “Seventy per cent of TTP fighters entering Pakistan are Afghans,” he said, asking whether the Afghan Taliban were ready to take responsibility for the violence, including the deaths of Pakistani children.
Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained for some time. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban government of not acting against militant groups based in Afghanistan. However, Taliban leaders have denied these claims and rejected allegations that attacks in Pakistan are planned from across the border.
Munir said that the continued movement of militants across the border posed a serious threat to Pakistan’s security. He also repeated Pakistan’s claim that India was supporting militant groups linked to the Taliban.
On religious matters, Munir said that jihad cannot be declared by individuals or non-state groups. According to him, only those with official authority have the right to issue such calls.
Ending his address on a religious note, Munir compared Pakistan to the early Islamic state formed over 1,400 years ago. He said Pakistan has a special place in the Muslim world and claimed that the country had been entrusted with the protection of the holy sites of Makkah and Madina among the 57 Islamic nations.