Khawaja Asif slams Fazlur Rehman over remarks on soldiers’ sacrifices
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his recent remarks about the armed forces, saying no soldier lays down their life merely for a salary.
He stressed that the sacrifices of military personnel are driven by patriotism, faith, duty, and commitment to the country, and urged political leaders to avoid statements that undermine their dedication.
مولانا فضل الرحمان ایک کہنہ مشق سیاست دان اور ممتاز مذہبی رہنما ہیں، اس لیے ان سے الفاظ کے انتخاب میں زیادہ ذمہ داری کی توقع کی جاتی ہے۔ فوجی جوانوں کی وطن کے لیے قربانی کو ان کی تنخواہ سے جوڑنا نہ صرف غیرمنصفانہ ہے بلکہ شہداء اور ان کے خاندانوں کی دل آزاری کے مترادف ہے۔ کوئی شخص…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) July 13, 2026
Responding to criticism of his own past remarks, Asif said a speech from two decades ago was being taken out of its historical context. He argued that Pakistan’s political circumstances at the time were different and maintained that the current military leadership, working alongside the constitutional government, had strengthened national security and the country's international standing.
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Several federal ministers also condemned the statement, urging political leaders to keep the sacrifices of security forces above political debate.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah also condemned Fazlur Rehman’s comments. They paid tribute to the country's martyrs, saying their sacrifices were beyond political debate or material value, and urged all political parties to honour the armed forces and stand united against terrorism.
