Pakistan Army On ‘Sunnah Timing’ Of Attack On India: ‘Islam Integral Part Of Our Training

Air Marshal A K Bharti had captivated the journalists on Monday when he quoted a couplet from Ramcharitmanas. No one had expected such high literature at a military briefing on ‘misadventures’ of Pakistan.

The objective of the air warrior was to drive home a message on “patience that is followed by anger”. This briefing, when compared to Pakistan army’s media interaction on Sunday, left many stunned as the neighbour’s military explicitly admitted to Islamabad’s “unwavering support for jihad”.

A report by an Indian national daily stated that Pakistan army’s admission blurs any distinction between the “uniformed jihadis and those without”, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammed — who have been waging war against India for decades by infiltrating terrorists into Kashmir and other regions, targeting both civilians and armed forces.

What Did Pakistan Army Say On Islam?
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG-ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said at a press briefing on Sunday that Islam was not just integral to the faith of individual soldiers but was part of the army’s training.

His response came when a journalist asked him if the name of Pakistan army’s operation, ‘Bunyanum Marsoos’, and early morning attacks on Indian civilians and military establishments were guided by the path shown by Allah.

The question and the reply are not surprising though as the Pakistan army has always openly embraced its Islamic foundation, proudly displaying the motto ‘Iman, Taqwa, Jihad fiSabilillah’ (faith, piety, struggle in the name of God).

It is part of our faith, it is what drives us,” Lt Gen Sharif said. Elaborating on the army’s motto, he said, “We have an army chief who has a strong belief in it. The leadership and his belief and commitment translates into different operations.”

On Pakistan army naming its operation ‘Bunyanum Marsoos’, he said those who fight for Allah are like a “steel wall”.

Lt Gen Sharif has been in the news not just for his professional role but also due to his connections with jihadi groups. Some reports surfaced recently claimed that his father, Mahmood Sultan Bashiruddin, a former scientist with the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, was linked to extremist organizations and even associated with Osama bin Laden.

Indian Air Force On Befitting Reply ‘In Case Of Aggression’ By Pakistan
At a press briefing in New Delhi, Air Marshal A K Bharti, the director general of air operations, cautioned the adversary that any violation of the ceasefire agreed upon by the two nations would be met with an appropriate response.

Bharti used a couplet from Ramcharitmanas to illustrate Lord Ram’s patience and anger towards the Sea God. The Air Marshal recited the couplet fluently: “Vinay Na Manat Jaldhi Jad, Bhaye Teen Din Beet, Bole Ram Sakop Tab, Bhay Binu Hoi Na Preeti.”

In English, this translates to, “The ocean was unmoved by humble requests for three days. Then Lord Rama, in rising anger, declared that without fear, there can be no love.”

This couplet speaks of the moment when Lord Rama, after waiting for three days for the Sea God to grant him passage to Lanka, becomes impatient and angry. He asserts that true love cannot exist without fear and raises his bow. It is only then that the Sea God appears and assists Lord Rama.

“What message is being conveyed… A hint is enough for a wise person,” Bharti remarked, prompting applause from the audience.