Khawaja Asif Slams Opposition Remarks on Army
News Desk
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Wednesday described the opposition leader’s recent remarks about the Pakistan Army in the National Assembly as “highly irresponsible,” saying such statements undermine a national institution that has rendered immense sacrifices for the country.
Speaking on the floor of the House, the minister said political differences were natural in a democracy, but targeting a national institution was inappropriate.
“Political differences are natural in a democracy. We may disagree on policies and ideologies, but targeting a national institution in this manner is inappropriate,” he said.
Highlighting the army’s role in combating terrorism, Khawaja Asif said thousands of officers and soldiers had embraced martyrdom in the line of duty over the years. He informed the House that 3,141 officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army had laid down their lives from 2021 to February 2026 in the ongoing war against terrorism.
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Rejecting claims that the army represents any particular province or region, the minister termed it a “federal force” comprising personnel from across the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and minority communities.
“The composition of the Pakistan Army reflects the entire federation. It is a truly national institution,” he said, adding that the parliamentary record should clearly reflect this reality.
He urged political leaders to avoid statements that could hurt national sentiments, especially in the context of prevailing security challenges. “Differences of opinion are everyone’s right, but national emotions and institutions should not be targeted,” he remarked.
The defence minister said that while members of Parliament take an oath to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity, politicians sometimes operate in “grey areas” influenced by political considerations.
In contrast, he said, members of the armed forces remain steadfast in their oath. “Many politicians switch parties multiple times in their careers. But those who embraced martyrdom never changed their oath. They laid down their lives to honour it,” he added.
Reiterating his stance, Khawaja Asif said the Pakistan Army is a federal force representing all federating units, with citizens from across the country making sacrifices to defend the homeland.
