Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan urges Fazlur Rehman to apologize over remarks about security forces

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP)’s Central Spokesman, Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan on Tuesday criticized Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his recent remarks concerning Pakistan’s security forces, urging him to apologize to the nation, the families of martyred soldiers and the armed forces.

Addressing a news conference here at the National Press Club, Chohan said questioning the sacrifices of military personnel hurt the sentiments of the Pakistani people. He said members of the armed forces laid down their lives not for salaries but in defense of the country, its people and future generations.

He dedicated the press conference to the memory of Major Adnan Haider and SSG Commando, Tahseen, saying their sacrifices reflected the commitment of Pakistan’s security forces in the fight against terrorism.

Chohan argued that throughout Islamic history, soldiers had received stipends from the public treasury, adding that linking salaries with the value of martyrdom was contrary to historical and religious facts.

He alleged that Fazlur Rehman’s remarks had hurt not only the armed forces but also the families of martyred personnel, and claimed that such statements strengthened narratives promoted by hostile elements against Pakistan.

The IPP spokesman also accused certain political actors of attempting to undermine national unity at a time when the country was continuing operations against militant groups. He maintained that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully capable of defending the country and said there was no need for any parallel or private force.

Calling on Fazlur Rehman to withdraw his remarks, Chohan urged him to apologize to the nation, the families of martyrs and the security forces.

Responding to a question, Chohan said Pakistan’s armed forces were fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities in the fight against terrorism and called for national unity on issues of security. He also urged the media to report responsibly on matters related to terrorism and national security and to avoid amplifying hostile propaganda.