Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, along with several federal ministers, publicly condemned controversial statements made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces. On July 13, Asif expressed disappointment that, as an experienced politician and religious leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman did not exercise greater care in his choice of words. He criticized the linkage of soldiers’ sacrifices to their salaries as both unjust and deeply offensive to the families of martyrs, stressing that no one lays down their life solely for monetary compensation.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman had made these remarks on July 11 during the Tahafuz-e-Deeniya o Awami Huqooq Conference in Kasur, where he accused the military of political interference and questioned the nature of their sacrifices. His comments sparked widespread backlash from political leaders who accused him of belittling the dedication and sacrifices of the nation’s security personnel.
Asif highlighted that the sacrifices made by military personnel are rooted in ideology, faith, duty, and patriotism. While acknowledging that disagreements over policies are natural, he emphasized that such differences should never lead to questioning the commitment of those serving the country. Labeling the remarks as morally insensitive, Asif called on political parties to unite against terrorism, support the armed forces, and honor the sacrifices of martyrs and their families.
In a follow-up statement on July 14, Asif defended an old speech of his from 20 years ago, which critics had recently revived. He urged that the speech be understood within the political context of that era, noting that many of his current critics were then allied with the military government through the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA). He accused the military ruler of that time of suspending the Constitution, overthrowing an elected government, and aligning Pakistan with the US-led “war on terror,” consequences of which continue to affect the country through ongoing terrorism. Contrasting this with the present, Asif praised the military leadership for achieving a “historic victory” against adversaries, enhancing Pakistan’s international standing through diplomacy, and collaborating with the civilian government to address internal security challenges.
Other ministers also voiced their support for the armed forces and condemned Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that the entire nation owes a profound debt to those who sacrificed their lives. He particularly honored the families of the fallen, describing their courage as exemplary and asserting that political debates have no place when it comes to the sacrifices of soldiers. Tarar emphasized that such sacrifices are priceless and beyond any political discourse.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged Maulana Fazlur Rehman to reconsider his statements, noting that they had deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of Pakistanis and diminished the sacrifices of the country’s martyrs. Iqbal stressed that soldiers and officers do not merely perform a job but risk their lives daily to protect the nation. While salaries compensate for service, no financial reward can equate to the sacrifice of life. He cited Quranic verses and Hadiths on the virtues of martyrdom, emphasizing that the sacrifices of martyrs must remain above politics and always be honored with dignity and respect.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah also weighed in, describing martyrdom as the ultimate aspiration of a true believer, which cannot be comprehended through materialistic perspectives. He wrote, “Martyrdom is the cherished goal of a believer. It is the destiny of the one who may appear to be merely a reciter but is, in reality, the embodiment of the Quran.” Sanaullah prayed for patience and steadfast faith for the families of martyrs and wounded veterans, affirming that their sacrifices guarantee Pakistan’s freedom and survival.
