KARACHI: Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) & All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, has lauded the visionary and resolute address of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference held on December 21. He stated that the Army Chief’s emphasis on the “State of Madinah” as a guiding principle and his stern warning against those attempting to spread Fitna and instability in Pakistan provide a clear roadmap for national integrity. Mian Zahid Hussain highlighted that the COAS correctly identified the Ulema and Mashaikh as the frontline guardians of Pakistan’s ideological frontiers. In an era where misinformation and extremist ideologies are used as tools of “Fifth Generation Warfare,” the call for religious scholars to promote a peaceful and soft image of Islam is timely and critical. “The COAS & CDF has sent a definitive message: Pakistan will not tolerate any parallel narrative that challenges the writ of the state,” said Mian Zahid Hussain. “The Army Chief’s stance on ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’ underscores the State’s commitment to rooting out terrorism and ensuring that no group is allowed to exploit religion for nefarious political or violent ends.” Mian Zahid Hussain stated that economic prosperity is closely tied to national security. He pointed out that the COAS and CDF’s strong position against illegal protests and public disturbances is vital for investor confidence. He stressed that for Pakistan to move from a struggling economy to self-reliance, the rule of law is crucial. The CDF’s reminder about the state’s duty to protect citizens aligns with the industrial sector’s concerns over politically driven instability, he added. Mian Zahid Hussain also backed the CDF’s concerns regarding the misuse of social media to spread chaos and target state institutions. He agreed that while freedom of expression is a right, it cannot be used as a license to weaken the foundation of the country or spread lies that incite violence. Mian Zahid Hussain further urged all segments of society—including political leaders, the business community, and the clergy—to stand behind the Pakistan Armed Forces in their mission to cleanse the country of terrorism and discord. He noted that the transition of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal and then Chief of Defence Forces reflects the nation’s trust in his leadership during these testing times. “The message from the conference is clear: Pakistan is a land of peace, and there is no room for those who preach hate or challenge the sovereignty of the state. We must move forward as one nation, one people,” Mian Zahid Hussain concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025