A political storm erupted on Saturday after Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, described the Pakistani military as “the army of God” during a ceremony in Jordan, prompting fierce condemnation from Baloch nationalist groups and human rights activists.
Munir made the remarks while receiving the Order of Merit from Jordan’s King Abdullah II, saying he carried out his duties “according to the command of Allah” and had “raised Pakistan’s honor by fighting against India.” He added that Pakistan would respond to any aggression “as the Prophet Muhammad did,” and that its soldiers “fight in the name of Allah.”
The comments drew swift backlash from members of the Baloch independence movement, who accused Pakistan’s military leadership of politicizing religion and misrepresenting Islamic principles. In a strongly worded statement, a spokesperson for the self-declared “Republic of Balochistan” called Munir’s remarks “un-Islamic” and “an insult to the Muslim world,” arguing that no institution should claim divine status.
The group alleged that the Pakistani military’s history — including its role in the 1971 war in Bangladesh and operations in Balochistan and Afghanistan — contradicts any claim of spiritual legitimacy. Many of these allegations, long repeated by Baloch nationalist organizations, remain disputed by the Pakistani government.
Pakistan has historically denied accusations of abuses in Balochistan and maintains that its operations target militant separatists, not civilians. Independent verification from the region is difficult, as journalists and human rights organizations face significant restrictions.
The controversy highlights the deepening rift between Pakistan’s military establishment and Baloch nationalist groups, who have escalated their opposition in recent years amid reports of enforced disappearances, military operations, and growing unrest in the province.
Munir’s supporters, meanwhile, argue that his remarks were spiritual in nature and consistent with a longstanding tradition of invoking religious language in Pakistan’s national discourse.
As of Sunday, Pakistan’s military and government officials had not issued formal responses to the statements circulating from Baloch activists.
