The Pakistan Army has reportedly directed terrorist groups to publicly praise Field Marshal Asim Munir, a move highlighted by a statement from Talha Saeed, son of Lashkar-e‑Tayiba founder Hafiz Saeed. Saeed, designated a terrorist by India and the United Nations, described Munir as a “memoriser of the Holy Quran” and credited him with reviving faith, piety and jihad. The statement is said to align with the military’s ideology and to justify its long‑running confrontation with India.
An Intelligence Bureau official noted that the intent is to harmonise the ideology of the Pakistani military with that of domestic terror organisations. While Munir projects himself as a saviour of Pakistan, many within the terror ranks and the general public remain unconvinced of his leadership. The official added that Operation Sindoor, a major setback for Munir, has questioned his strength and leadership, particularly in dealing with Lashkar‑e‑Tayiba and Jaish‑e‑Mohammad.
Operation Sindoor resulted in the destruction of several terror camps and infrastructure, prompting the military and ISI to inject funds to rebuild what was lost. However, trust in the establishment has eroded among groups such as Jaish‑e‑Mohammad, which has questioned the army’s ability to protect them. Recruitment has also declined, further weakening the groups’ influence.
To alter the situation, officials believe that securing praise from top leaders of Lashkar‑e‑Tayiba and Jaish‑e‑Mohammad will align them with the army’s objectives. Talha Saeed’s public support for Munir is seen as a step toward his potential takeover of Lashkar‑e‑Tayiba amid a leadership crisis. The same strategy is expected to be applied to Jaish‑e‑Mohammad, ensuring that both terror groups and the establishment share a unified ideology in their long‑standing conflict with India.
