Islamabad: A recent audio message by Noor Wali Mehsud, the head of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, is more than just a statement. It is a clear attempt to pressure religious scholars and give terrorism a false religious cover. In his message, Mehsud claimed that his so called struggle began after receiving support from hundreds of scholars. He then challenged the same scholars to either justify him or stop speaking against him.
However, this claim has been firmly rejected. Pakistan’s most respected religious scholars, including Mufti Taqi Usmani and other senior figures, have already given a united and final verdict through the national document known as Paigham-e-Pakistan. According to this consensus, any armed action against the Pakistani state, its armed forces, or civilians is not jihad. It is chaos, rebellion, and a grave crime against society.
Scholars Call It a Dangerous and Failed Tactic
Meanwhile, defense and religious experts strongly condemned Mehsud’s statement. They described it as a familiar tactic used by extremist groups to survive political and moral defeat. His claim that he is not fighting for violence itself is seen as an effort to hide isolation and failure on the ground.
More importantly, experts warn that his challenge to scholars is dangerous. It aims to intimidate moderate religious voices and push them into silence. By doing so, militants try to place scholars in conflict with the state and create sympathy for armed groups. This strategy has been used before and has always failed.
State and Society Stand United
As a result, the message from Pakistan is clear and firm. The right to declare jihad belongs only to the state, not to armed groups that kill civilians and security personnel. Calling respected scholars agents or accusing them of greed is deeply insulting. These scholars have stood against extremism for years, often at great personal risk.
Now, the time has come to fully reject such misleading narratives. Religion will not be allowed to become a tool for violence. The state, its institutions, and its people remain united against those who try to spread terror in the name of faith.
