ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir on Monday assured representatives of the Christian community there was no space for intolerance and extremism in Islam or civilised society, and that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

He made these remarks during a meeting with a 13-member delegation, led by Dr Azad Marshall, president bishop of the Church of Pakistan, who called on the army chief at General Headquarters, a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The Christian community has recently been in the crosshairs of extremist violence after a mob torc­h­­ed churches and Christ­ians’ homes in Jaranwala following allegations of blasphemy and desecration. Subsequent police probes into the incident revealed that the violence was motivated by personal enmity, and that a mob was systematically incited to attack homes and places of worship in the area.

During their meeting on Monday, Gen Munir stres­sed the need for promoting interfaith harmony and expressed deep respect for the Christian community. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and religious and inter-faith harmony were discussed.

Gen Munir also lauded the contributions of Pakis­tani Christians in national development, including promotion of quality education, healthcare and philanthropic services and outstanding services they rendered for the defence of the motherland, the ISPR statement said.

Meanwhile, members of the Christian community acknowledged the army’s efforts in combating terrorism and providing secure environment to minorities in the country.

They appreciated the army chief’s gesture as an inspiration for Pakistani minorities to take greater and more active part in na­­tion building and in restoring their faith in a cohesive and tolerant society, the ISPR statement said.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2023