ISLAMABAD: Political and business leaders in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have strongly condemned remarks by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman about the Pakistan Army, saying his comments hurt public sentiment and undermine the sacrifices of military personnel.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Chaudhry Muhammad Asif said the Pakistan Army was a guarantor of the country’s defence and praised soldiers for guarding the national borders around the clock.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Chaudhry Rukhsar said Fazlur Rehman’s remarks against the army hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis and Kashmiris. He urged the JUI-F chief to withdraw his statement.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Chaudhry Shoaib Arshad said he was deeply hurt after hearing Fazlur Rehman’s speech and condemned his remarks. He also said the Pakistan Army had responded effectively to India’s attempted incursion last year.
Muhammad Ali Shan Soni, an Azad Jammu and Kashmir leader of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), also condemned Fazlur Rehman’s comments about national security institutions and the army. He said national leaders should avoid statements that hurt the sentiments of the public.
Mirpur District Council Chairman Raja Naveed Akhtar said Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s borders were secure because of the Pakistan Army. He condemned Fazlur Rehman’s remarks and said the army’s decisions had embarrassed India internationally.
Umar Jarral, president of the Mirpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said statements against national security institutions were consistent with narratives hostile to the state and foreign interests. He praised military personnel for protecting the country and enabling citizens to live in peace.
The leaders called for greater responsibility in public discourse concerning Pakistan’s national security institutions.
