Asim Munir gets Saudi Arabia’s top civilian honour; says he felt ‘divine help’ during May conflict with India

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has been awarded Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence, during his official visit to the Kingdom. The award comes amid renewed focus on Munir’s regional outreach and his recent public remarks on faith, security, and geopolitics. The Pakistan Army announced the honour on Monday, saying it was approved through a Royal Decree.

“Under a Royal Decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s highest national honour was also conferred upon the Field Marshal,” the army said.

Saudi leaders praised Munir’s professionalism and strategic outlook, and acknowledged his role in strengthening what they described as long-standing, brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Munir thanks Saudi leadership, reaffirms security ties

Field Marshal Munir thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership for the honour. He described it as a reflection of the enduring bond between the two countries.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability, and prosperity of the Kingdom.

During the visit, Munir called on Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence.

Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics, defence and military cooperation, strategic collaboration, and evolving geopolitical challenges.

Asim Munit's Ulema conference speech gets spotlight

As Munir’s Saudi visit made headlines, clips from his recent address at the National Ulema Conference in Islamabad also surfaced on local television. While official details of the December 10 speech were limited, selected excerpts were aired on Sunday.

In his address, Munir drew parallels between Pakistan and the state established by the Prophet 1,400 years ago in the Arab region, present-day Saudi Arabia.

Claim of divine help during India conflict

During the same address, the Field Marshal said Pakistan received divine support during the May conflict with India.

He said there are 57 Islamic countries in the world, and among them, “God gave us the honour of being the protectors of Haramain Sharifain,” a reference to Makkah and Madina.

He also claimed Pakistan received divine assistance during the conflict. “We felt it (divine help),” he claimed.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The strikes led to four days of intense clashes between the two countries and ended with a ceasefire request from Pakistan on May 10.

Warning to Afghan Taliban on TTP

Munir also issued a sharp message to the Afghan Taliban government, asking it to choose between Pakistan and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

“In the TTP formations coming [into Pakistan], 70 per cent are Afghans,” he said. “Is Afghanistan not spilling the blood of our Pakistani children?”

He reiterated that the Afghan Taliban must clearly choose between Pakistan and the TTP.

The army chief said that jihad in an Islamic state cannot be declared by individuals or groups.

“No one can issue a fatwa for jihad without the order and permission and will of those vested with the authority,” he said during the conference.

His speech included multiple Quranic references and strong religious messaging.

(Inputs from PTI)