On the backdrop of increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi came down heavily on Pakistan for its recent military operation and calling upon Islamic references to validate aggression. In response to India’s effective ‘Operation Sindoor’, wherein militant infrastructure within the country and across the border was targeted, Pakistan retaliated with what it termed as ‘Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsus’—a synchronized drone and missile strike on Indian military bases. Nevertheless, the offensive was quickly brought to an end by India’s air defense, which intercepted and destroyed the missiles and drones during flight, negating any consequential damage or fatalities.
As India’s military response showed technical prowess and strategic readiness, Owaisi used the moment to reveal what he termed as Pakistan’s political and military exploitation of religion.
Unpacking ‘Bunyan-ul-Marsus’: Owaisi Challenges Pakistan’s Motives
In a public speech, Asaduddin Owaisi analyzed the title of Pakistan’s recent operation, ‘Bunyan-ul-Marsus’, which is an expression borrowed from verse 4 of Surah As-Saff in the Quran. The verse is about oneness among believers, comparing them to a “firmly established structure.” Owaisi maintained that this reference from the Quran was being taken out of context by the Pakistani establishment to label its military interventions as religiously justified.
The origin of the name ‘Bunyan-ul-Marsus’ is from a verse in the Quran where Allah tells believers to rally together like an unbreakable wall. But what Pakistan is doing is something far from righteousness or unity,” said Owaisi. “It is exceedingly misleading to utilize holy scripture for the purpose of state-sponsored violence.
He went on to say, “This is lie. Total lie. Lie covered with religion to deceive the people. If you really believed in the values described in the Quran, your actions would be peaceful, not inciting.”
Emphasizing Historical Grievances: Bangladesh and Beyond
Owaisi did not just condemn the ongoing offensive. He brought up Pakistan’s past atrocities against Muslims in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, when the Pakistani military was responsible for the alleged mass killings, rape, and persecution, particularly in the then-East Pakistan.
“Where was this ‘wall of faith’ when Pakistan was showering bullets on Bengali Muslims?” he questioned. “You had forgotten your own religious precepts in those days. It is unfortunate that you invoke the name of the Quran when it suits you but forget its spirit when committing follies.”
His words echo a deeper irritation with what many Indians perceive as Pakistan’s selective use of Islam to rationalize geopolitical moves, frequently acting in violation of Islamic principles of justice and humaneness.
Post-9/11 Allegations: ‘Selling Your Own People’
Owaisi also made some serious charges against the conduct of Pakistan after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States. He alleged that Pakistan had surrendered a number of innocent individuals to American authorities for money.
“After 9/11, they sold innocent people to the U.S. for just $15,000 each,” he charged. “And today, they speak about Islamic glory? What sort of hypocrisy is this?”
Blame for Poonch Attack and Civilian Deaths
Referring to the recent Poonch terrorist strike, where 14 Indian citizens, including four kids, were killed, Owaisi charged Pakistan with responsibility for ongoing cross-border terrorism. He charged that the Pakistani state has been misusing religious ideology for fueling extremist forces while showing its hand in defending Islamic values.
“You speak of standing strong in belief, but you murdered innocent children. There is no honor in this. There is only shame.”
Final Comments: Religion Cannot Be a Facade for Violence
Summing up, Owaisi stated that it was perilous and misguiding to envelop military aggression in religious jargon. He urged Pakistan to look back at its history and current deeds and desist from abusing Islam for political purposes.
When religion is used to justify war, terrorism, and betrayal, it loses its sanctity in the eyes of the world,” he said. “True faith is demonstrated not in missiles or operations, but in compassion, truth, and justice.