Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, stated that no group, individual, or faction has the right to declare jihad, and anyone who desires to participate in jihad should join the armed forces.

Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, he emphasized the need to demonstrate religious tolerance and to reform our behavior accordingly. He highlighted that Islam gives significant importance to the protection of the lives and property of non-Muslims.

He further mentioned that Allah has granted Pakistan superiority over a much larger power, India, and that the defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia holds great significance. Safeguarding the holy sites of the two Harams is a tremendous honor for Pakistan.

Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi clarified that the concept of jihad has been distorted and misunderstood today, and no one has the right to declare jihad on their own. Those who are eager for jihad should instead join the military.

He also stressed that minorities in Pakistan cannot be harassed, no one is allowed to take the law into their own hands, and minorities have equal rights in Pakistan. He concluded that the message of Pakistan must be implemented in practice.