DG ISPR Calls Fazlur Rehman’s Remarks on Martyrs ‘Deplorable and Difficult to Understand’
- DG ISPR rejected Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s comments about soldiers and salaries.
- He said martyrdom is the backbone of Pakistan’s armed forces and security institutions.
- The military spokesperson said uniformed personnel accept the risk of death before entering operations.
- He argued that soldiers sacrifice their right to life to protect the lives and future of the nation.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has strongly criticised remarks made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman about soldiers, salaries and martyrdom.
Responding to a journalist during a media briefing, the DG ISPR described the remarks as “deplorable” and “difficult to understand.” He said martyrdom and the sacrifices of martyrs form the backbone of Pakistan’s armed forces.
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He explained that the philosophy of the Army, Air Force and Navy is built around the willingness to sacrifice for the country. He added that the same spirit is also visible among police and other law-enforcement personnel serving in dangerous areas.
Referring to the Kargil conflict, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said Pakistani soldiers had knowingly placed their lives at risk while defending the country. He said it was difficult to understand why anyone would speak casually about the bodies and sacrifices of those who were martyred while carrying out their duty.
The military spokesperson said personnel serving in the armed forces give up their most precious possession—their right to life—to protect the right to life of the entire nation.
He stressed that this sacrifice does not begin only when a soldier is martyred. According to him, an officer or soldier accepts the danger from the moment he leaves for an intelligence-based operation against terrorists.
He also referred to police and Frontier Corps personnel stationed at isolated checkpoints in mountainous areas. He said such personnel remain aware that they may be targeted by terrorists, yet continue performing their duties to protect citizens and their children’s future.
“Do you think he is doing it for some pay?” the DG ISPR asked, arguing that people cannot be expected to accept such extraordinary risks merely in return for money.
He said a naval sailor entering a submarine and a pilot taking an aircraft into the air both understand that they may not return. Every person wearing the uniform, he added, has already committed their life and physical safety to defending the nation.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said uniformed personnel also have parents, children, personal ambitions and happiness, yet they remain prepared to sacrifice all of these for the country.
He maintained that reducing this service to a salary or financial benefit was unfair and failed to recognise the true nature of military duty and sacrifice.
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