GUJRANWALA: A local court in Gujranwala on Wednesday summoned Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to appear on July 28 in connection with a petition seeking criminal proceedings over a controversial speech.
Additional Sessions Judge Faisal Jamil issued the summons while hearing a petition that accused the veteran opposition leader of making remarks that could disturb public order. The court also directed police to submit a report before the next hearing.
The petition relates to a speech Fazlur Rehman delivered in Kasur, where he told party workers that soldiers perform their duties in service of the country and receive salaries in return for that service. Fazlur Rahman also said that the military should not present its sacrifices as something extraordinary, contending that such sacrifices are an inherent part of its paid duty.
The remarks sparked criticism from senior members of the federal government, civil society, and from the public.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said linking the sacrifices of soldiers to their salaries was unfair and disrespectful to fallen troops and their families.
“No one sacrifices their life merely for a salary,” Asif said. “Such sacrifices are made out of faith, duty and devotion to the homeland.”
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also criticised the statement, saying martyrdom held a status far above any financial compensation.
“A salary may compensate for service, but the sacrifice of life can never be measured in monetary terms,” he said.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said there was no room for political debate over soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, adding that their sacrifices were beyond value.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also defended the armed forces, saying Pakistan’s security rested on the enduring sacrifices of its soldiers and officers.
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He said the history written with the blood of fallen troops could neither be erased nor diminished by political statements or ridicule.
