Islamabad, June 23 (IANS): A panel of religious leaders has termed as jihad Pakistan's military operation being carried out against terrorists in North Waziristan, a media report said Monday.
The Pakistan Army launched operation 'Zarb-i-Azb' in North Waziristan, a week after an attack on Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, deploying troops, tanks and jets to crack down on Taliban and other terrorists, Dawn online reported.
Around 235 terrorists have been killed since the start of the operation and many hideouts destroyed.
The fatwa was issued Sunday after a meeting of religious leaders organisd by the Sunni Ulema Board.
The fatwa referred to Holy Quran's Verse No. 33 of Surah-i-Almaidah, which says: “Crushing of the attempts to disrupt peaceful atmosphere in a Muslim state is jihad.”
The fatwa was signed by more than 100 leaders.