Khawaja Asif hits back after Maulana Fazlur Rehman says soldiers are paid to fight, not civilians
- Maulana Fazlur Rehman questioned why civilians should be asked to fight armed groups when the military is paid for national defence.
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called the remarks irresponsible and insulting to Pakistan’s martyrs.
- Asif said soldiers sacrifice their lives for faith, duty and the country—not for salaries.
- The exchange has sparked fresh political debate over the military’s role and civilian responsibility.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly criticized Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his remarks regarding the armed forces, saying they undermine the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s soldiers and hurt the families of martyrs.
The controversy began after Maulana Fazlur Rehman questioned why civilians were being urged to confront armed groups when, according to him, the responsibility for defending the country lies with the armed forces.
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Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman said those serving in the security forces are paid to defend the country, adding that he would not form any private army. He said those who want to enter politics should leave their uniforms and contest elections to seek public support. pic.twitter.com/IjgLkyflLs
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) July 14, 2026
Speaking at a public gathering, the JUI-F chief said, “They keep telling us that our soldiers are being martyred. But those soldiers wear the uniform and receive salaries because it is their duty to fight for the country’s security. Why are you asking civilians to take up arms and form militias against armed groups? I have never received a salary for that, so I will not raise a private force.”
He further said, “You will leave one day, but you are pushing my land and future generations toward personal enmity and endless bloodshed. If you want to do politics, then take off the uniform and contest elections. Then it will become clear how many votes people give to those in uniform. You have the power to decide who forms the government and whose government is removed. Do not lecture us on these matters.”
The remarks prompted a swift response from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who addressed the issue in a post on X.
Asif said Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a respected religious and political leader and should therefore exercise greater responsibility while making public statements, particularly on sensitive national matters.
He strongly rejected the suggestion that the sacrifices of military personnel could be linked to their salaries, calling the comparison deeply inappropriate and disrespectful to Pakistan’s martyrs.
“No one sacrifices their precious life merely for a salary,” Khawaja Asif said. “Such sacrifices are made because of ideology, faith, a sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to the nation.”
The defence minister added that reducing the courage and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces to financial compensation not only diminishes their service but also deeply hurts the families of those who laid down their lives in defence of the country.
مولانا فضل الرحمان
— Raja Kabeer ™ (@kabeerraja786) July 13, 2026
میجر عدنان شہید کی والدہ کا یہ بیان ضرور سنئیے گا اور پھر اپنا تنخواہ کیلئے جان قربان کرنے والا بیان بھی سن لیجئیے گا اور پھر چِلو بھر پانی ضرور تلاش کیجئے گا کیونکہ اس ماں نے اپنا بیٹا نہایت محنت سے پال پوس کر جوان کیا اور چند ٹکوں کی خاطر شہید نہیں کروایا pic.twitter.com/2z4Xi82egG
He reiterated that Pakistan’s soldiers serve with dedication to their beliefs and the nation, and that their sacrifices should never be viewed through the lens of monetary reward.
The exchange between the two senior political leaders has triggered widespread debate on social media, with supporters and critics weighing in on the role of the military, the responsibilities of civilians in countering militancy, and the relationship between politics and the armed forces.
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