Armaghan says Fazal should apologize over martyrs statement

SIALKOT, Jul 16 (APP):Minister of State for Planning and Development, Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani, described Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s statement regarding the martyrs as regrettable and demanded that he apologize to the families of the martyrs and the public. He said that today, the families of the martyrs and war veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country, along with the nation’s 250 million people, are deeply saddened. He added that the sacrifices of the martyrs are beyond comparison and cannot be assigned any value.

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference. Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani said that the martyrs and war veterans are the pride of the nation, and their sacrifices cannot be measured in terms of salaries or benefits. He emphasized that the sacrifices of the martyrs should not be politicized.

He further said that although Maulana Fazlur Rehman remains a respected figure, it is the responsibility of the entire nation to respect the sentiments of the families of the martyrs. The minister stated that no price can be placed on the sacrifices of the martyrs and war veterans and that the martyrs of the Pakistan Army are a source of pride for the entire nation.

He also called for the retention of the 12 reserved seats for Kashmiri refugees, saying that under no circumstances should Kashmiris in Pakistan be deprived of their identity and political representation. He said that proposals to abolish these 12 seats amount to an attempt to prevent Kashmiri refugees from contesting elections on the reserved seats allocated to them.

Armaghan Subhani said that millions of Kashmiris migrated to Pakistan after the events of 1947 and made countless sacrifices. Therefore, eliminating their representation would be tantamount to denying both history and those sacrifices. He added that Kashmiris are loyal to Pakistan and that questioning their patriotism is inappropriate.

He further alleged that certain sit-ins and protest activities in Kashmir are being supported by hostile elements based abroad. He said that free, fair, and transparent elections will be held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on 27 July, urging the public to exercise their right to vote enthusiastically.

He concluded by saying that some elements seek to create hatred between Pakistan and Kashmir, but it should be made clear that Pakistan is inseparable from Kashmir, and Kashmir is inseparable from Pakistan. He said that the people of Kashmir and Pakistan have made immense sacrifices for the Kashmir freedom movement, and this bond will never be weakened.