Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday refused to apologize for controversial remarks about the martyrdom of security forces, maintaining his issue was with those “at the helm of affairs” and not state institutions.
Addressing a party lawyers’ convention in Islamabad, he alleged he was facing “a propaganda campaign” against him. Last week, at a political gathering in Kasur, the JUIF chief had claimed soldiers martyred in the line of duty had done so only for a salary. The statement had drawn widespread condemnation, with several members of the ruling PMLN urging him to withdraw the comments and apologize to the families of martyrs.
In his latest address, Fazl said he had intended no disrespect to soldiers or the institution, and had been criticizing those responsible for policymaking. He claimed he had merely reminded security institutions of their responsibilities, adding they should operate within constitutional mandates.
The JUIF leader claimed his remarks had been misconstrued to malign him and his party, maintaining difference of opinion was not equal to “enmity” against the state. He emphasized that he would not apologize or withdraw his remarks under any pressure.
Stressing he had always honored martyrs and paid tribute to their sacrifices, he said there should be no politicking over their honor. Respect for families of martyrs is a collective responsibility, he said, but respect for institutions stems from their adherence to their constitutional roles. Solutions to national issue lie in dialogue and sound policies, he added.
During his speech, the JUIF chief—who has previously demanded the government withdraw legislation declaring underage marriage illegal—also questioned the delay in the registration of madrassas, claiming the issue was pending since 2004.
He reiterated claims of the incumbent government being a result of electoral rigging, alleging his party was offered to become part of the government in Balochistan, and replace the PTI in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, but had turned down both offers. He said the government should convene an in-camera parliamentary session on rising terrorism in KP and Balochistan to apprise lawmakers of the gravity of the security situation.