‘We Sensed It’: Asim Munir Cites “Divine Help” During Operation Sindoor, Warns Taliban Over TTP Ties

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has asserted that Pakistan experienced what he described as “divine help” during its recent military confrontation with India under Operation Sindoor. The remarks were made during his address at the National Ulema Conference held in Islamabad.

Referring to the military escalation in May, Munir stated, “We felt it,” while speaking on December 10, suggesting that Pakistan sensed divine assistance on the ground during the conflict.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation targeted militant infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes triggered an intense four-day military confrontation between the two countries, which eventually ended after both sides agreed to halt hostilities on May 10.

In the same address, Munir also issued a pointed warning to Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership, stating that they must make a clear choice between continuing their relationship with Islamabad or backing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to news agency PTI, excerpts from his speech were aired on local television on Sunday, even though the full text was not officially released.

Munir claimed that the majority of individuals involved in militant attacks inside Pakistan were Afghan nationals and alleged that Pakistan continues to suffer bloodshed due to militant infiltration from Afghan territory. “Seventy percent of the TTP formations entering Pakistan are Afghans,” he said, questioning Kabul’s willingness to take responsibility for the violence, which he noted included the killing of Pakistani children.

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained strained, with Pakistan repeatedly accusing the Afghan Taliban of failing to take action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, particularly the TTP. Taliban authorities, however, have consistently denied allegations that attacks in Pakistan are carried out from across the Durand Line.

Reiterating his stance, Munir stated that the continued cross-border movement of extremists posed a direct threat to Pakistan’s security and stability. He also repeated his earlier claim that India provides funding to Taliban-linked groups.

Addressing the issue of religious authority, Munir emphasized that neither individuals nor non-state actors have the right to declare jihad. “No one can issue a fatwa for jihad without the order, permission, and will of those vested with authority,” he said.

Framing his remarks in religious terms, Munir drew parallels between Pakistan and the early Islamic state established more than 1,400 years ago. He cited verses from the Quran and references from Islamic history to underline his argument.

He further asserted that Pakistan holds a special position in the Islamic world and claimed that among the 57 Islamic countries, Pakistan has been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the Haramain Sharifain—Makkah and Madina.

Once again drawing comparisons with the early Islamic state, Munir reiterated through Quranic references and historical allusions that Pakistan’s role in the Muslim world is distinct, maintaining that it carries the duty of defending Islam’s holiest sites.