Amir Muqam criticizes Fazlur Rehman over remarks on military martyrs

ISLAMABAD, Jul 15 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam on Wednesday criticized Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his remarks concerning Pakistan’s military martyrs, saying such statements were inappropriate and failed to reflect the sacrifices made by the armed forces.

Addressing a ceremony welcoming political leaders into the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) from the Sehensa constituency of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Muqam said the spirit of martyrdom and loyalty to Pakistan remained the true strength of the country’s armed forces.

He said Pakistan’s military defended the country’s borders not merely for salaries but out of patriotism and a commitment to sacrifice, adding that the entire nation was proud of its martyrs and veterans and that every Pakistani had a responsibility to honor their sacrifices.

Muqam urged Fazlur Rehman, as a senior political leader, to refrain from making such remarks.

Turning to the upcoming AJK elections, the minister said the PML-N would stand by party workers and the public even after the polls, expressing confidence that the party would secure a two-thirds majority in the legislative assembly.

He said public confidence in the leadership of former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif continued to grow and attributed the influx of political figures into the PML-N to its past performance and future vision.

Muqam said peaceful protest was the right of every citizen but stressed that no one could be allowed to take the law into their hands. He added that the government had sought to address the demands of the Public Action Committee through dialogue and negotiations.

Referring to the issue of 12 refugee seats, he said negotiations had been boycotted instead of presenting constitutional arguments, adding that there could be no compromise on the oath of allegiance to Pakistan.

The minister also said motorway and expressway projects would prove to be milestones in the development of Azad Kashmir.

During the ceremony, several political leaders from Sehensa, including members of the Nawabi family, the Chaudhry Yaqoob family and other influential figures, joined the PML-N along with thousands of supporters. Candidate Raja Asif said, the new political alignments had significantly strengthened the party’s prospects in the constituency and invited Muqam to address an election rally in Sehensa. Party leaders claimed the PML-N was in a strong position across Kotli Division and expected to win multiple seats.