Military backs peaceful protests, warns against resorting to violence

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has said that the people have the right to stage protests while remaining peaceful as he warned the nation to stay vigilant of those trying to spread anarchy through social media. 

Addressing the National Convention of Scholars on Thursday, the army chief said that the “anarchy is spread through social media, but pledged not to allow anyone to spread chaos in the country. 

“The greatest sin in the sight of the Almighty Allah is creating chaos in the land. Whoever doesn’t adhere to the Shariah and the Constitution, we don’t consider them Pakistanis,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Army was working to eradicate the anarchy and other forms of corruption in the country.

“If anyone tried to spread chaos in Pakistan, by God, we [army] will stand against them.”

Gen Munir said that criminal and smuggling mafias are providing patronage to terrorism, he added.