ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif launched a scathing attack on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the National Assembly, accusing him of using religion for political gains and enjoying power for the past four decades.
During the parliamentary session, tensions flared as the Defence Minister responded sharply to recent criticisms and questions raised by Maulana Fazlur Rehman against the government, asserting that no one in the house stands completely blameless.
Khawaja Asif Slams Fazlur Rehman in National Assembly
Khawaja Asif stated that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s political career is filled with contradictions, advising him to look inward before pointing fingers at others. He questioned the nature and official status of Fazlur Rehman’s past visits to Afghanistan, asking whether he traveled in the capacity of a Foreign Minister and under what authority such diplomatic initiatives were undertaken.
The Defence Minister also remarked that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir played a pivotal role in defusing conflicts, a historic contribution that deserves national recognition. He alleged that Fazlur Rehman compromised on his principles, became the opposition leader through political maneuvering (“Nora Kushti”), and reaped benefits from every successive government.
Scrutinizing the Kashmir Committee and 40 Years of Privileges
Addressing the assembly, Khawaja Asif highlighted Fazlur Rehman’s long tenure as the chairman of the parliamentary Kashmir Committee. Asif said that Fazlur Rehman had served as the head of the Kashmir Committee for 10 years, questioning what tangible services he had rendered for the Kashmir cause during that period apart from enjoying official perks and privileges. He added that Fazlur Rehman’s political stance changes abruptly whenever he is out of power, despite having shared power arrangements with almost every major political party represented in Parliament over the years. The minister also noted that following the transition under the Legal Framework Order (LFO) during previous regimes, Fazlur Rehman had participated in governance while simultaneously serving as the Leader of the Opposition.
Clarification on Tehran Visit and Regional Peace Efforts
Defending recent high-level diplomatic engagements, Khawaja Asif clarified that the visit to Tehran did not involve any secret defence pacts or compromises on national security. Instead, he explained that the objective behind Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran was to pave the way for regional peace and play a mediating role to de-escalate tensions.
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Emphasizing the importance of national unity, the Defence Minister noted that Pakistan already maintains robust defence agreements with brotherly Islamic nations, including Saudi Arabia, alongside expanding cooperation with Qatar, Türkiye, and Indonesia. He concluded that the country’s political landscape requires national reconciliation and broad-mindedness rather than confrontation that undermines Pakistan’s positive international image.
