Pakistani Army Chief Insults Shia Clerics at Iftar Gathering !
(Maulana refers to an Islamic scholar)
Pakistan's Army Chief Asim MunirIslamabad, Pakistan - Amid the backdrop of tensions involving Iran, the situation in Pakistan appears to be rapidly evolving, with Shia leaders raising objections against Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir.
During a high-level Iftar gathering held on March 19, allegations have surfaced that the Army Chief insulted Shia clerics. According to Pakistani Shia cleric Mohammad Shifa Najafi, Munir told them, "If you have so much love for Iran, then go there."
1. According to reports, during the Iftar event, Army Chief Asim Munir publicly reprimanded leading Shia ulema (religious scholars) in harsh terms.
2. Following the incident, members of Pakistan's Shia community expressed deep resentment, stating that they felt humiliated. Maulana Hasnain Abbas Gardezai remarked that General Munir's tone and comments were highly disrespectful.
3. Shia leaders who left the event stated that Munir repeatedly referred to them as "loyal to Iran" while addressing them in front of others.
4. Munir reportedly accused Shia Muslims of being disloyal to Pakistan and acting against national interests.
5. Maulana Hasnain further stated that such treatment disregards the significant contribution of the Shia community to the creation of Pakistan.
6. It was also pointed out that Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, belonged to the Shia community. Additionally, the longstanding religious connections of Shias with holy sites in Mecca, Medina, Iraq, and Iran are being overlooked by the Pakistani establishment, according to the clerics.