Khar (Pakistan), Dec. 21 : Hundreds of clerics in Pakistan’s Bajaur agency have declared that the ongoing militancy in the country is “not jihad.”

Issuing an edict at a gathering in Laghrai, at least 120 clerics said the ongoing militancy is not jihad but fasaad [unlawful warfare], which was condemnable, the Daily Times reports.

Pointing out that Pakistan is an Islamic country and the army is defending its frontiers, the clerics added that foreign and anti-state elements wanted to destabilise Pakistan.

They also said that the activities carried out in Bajaur Agency were a conspiracy to malign Islam. (ANI)