Nationwide Protest Over Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Remarks About Martyrs
Islamabad (Web Desk): A wave of anger and condemnation has swept across political and social circles nationwide following recent controversial remarks by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman concerning the Pakistan Army and martyrs.
Federal ministers, provincial leaders and lawmakers have described the statement as highly irresponsible, regrettable and unacceptable, while demanding an immediate apology from Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
According to critics and government representatives, linking the martyrdom of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defence of the homeland with salaries or material benefits amounts to insulting their eternal sacrifices and deeply hurting the sentiments of millions of Pakistanis.
Federal Ministers Strongly Condemn Politicisation of Martyrs’ Sacrifices
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said that martyrs are the pride of the entire nation and a symbol of national honour. He stressed that the supreme sacrifices of those who lay down their lives for the homeland cannot be measured by any worldly standard and must not be used for political discourse.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s words had hurt millions of Pakistanis. Soldiers do not sacrifice their lives for salaries, but for their homeland, nation and the oath they have taken.
He added that linking the exalted status of martyrdom with financial compensation is neither just nor morally acceptable, nor is it consistent with Islamic teachings.
Key Political Statements
Minister of State Awn Chaudhry: “Martyrdom is not attained through salary, but through patriotism, faith and the spirit of sacrifice. Maulana Fazlur Rehman should apologise to the nation and the families of the martyrs.”
Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik: “Such statements hurt the sentiments of the families of martyrs. Maulana Fazlur Rehman should immediately withdraw his remarks.”
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari: “It is deeply painful to measure the sacrifices of martyrs in monetary terms. Try sending your own sons to the borders even on double salaries.”
Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui: “Questioning the services of those defending the nation at this critical juncture in history is a grave injustice to the country and the nation.”
Provincial Leadership and Lawmakers Stage Strong Protest
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Ikhtiar Wali questioned whether anyone in the world would sacrifice their life solely for money.
Provincial Assembly member Farah Khan described the remarks as a failed attempt to undermine the unmatched sacrifices of the Pakistan Army.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan said in a stern response: “Speak with responsibility and awareness; this army is the crown of honour upon our nation’s forehead.”
Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Sarah Ahmad and Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry also termed the remarks deeply painful for the families of martyrs, stating that the sacrifices of soldiers are a manifestation of devotion to duty and faith.