Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has claimed that the country experienced what he described as “divine support” during India’s Operation Sindoor conducted in May this year. In an undated video that has been widely shared on social media, Munir said Pakistan could “feel” this assistance during the tense period.
Speaking at the National Ulema Conference in Islamabad, Munir remarked, “We saw divine help arriving, we felt it,” adding that the statements being discussed were “completely true.” During his address, he also quoted verses from the Quran to reinforce his remarks.
Taliban Must Decide Between Pakistan and TTP
During the same speech, Munir issued a strong message to the Afghan Taliban, urging them to make a clear choice between maintaining ties with Pakistan and supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to PTI, Munir stated that Islamabad believes TTP militants continue to operate from Afghan soil.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghan authorities of failing to curb militant activities across the Durand Line, a claim the Taliban has denied. However, Munir alleged that a significant number of militants entering Pakistan are Afghan nationals. “Around 70 per cent of TTP fighters infiltrating Pakistan are Afghans,” he said, questioning whether Afghanistan was indirectly contributing to violence against Pakistani civilians.
Remarks on Islamic Authority and Jihad
Drawing historical and religious parallels, Munir compared Pakistan to the early Islamic state established over 1,400 years ago in the Arab region, now known as Saudi Arabia. He said Pakistan had been honored with the responsibility of protecting the Haramain Sharifain — Makkah and Madina.
He further emphasized that in an Islamic state, only the government has the authority to declare jihad. “No individual or group can issue a fatwa for jihad without the approval and will of the state,” he said.
Background of Operation Sindoor
India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 7–8 in response to the Pahalagam terror attack in April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Reports stated that the attackers identified victims based on religion before killing them.
Following significant military damage during the operation, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart. Both nations later agreed to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea, effective May 10.