Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday strongly condemned a statement made by Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai regarding the Pakistan Army, describing it as “irresponsible” and “distressing.”
Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said Achakzai had claimed that the Pakistan Army is “an army of four districts,” a remark he said was unacceptable. “This is not something one would expect from Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and his statement has caused distress,” he added.
The minister emphasized that while Achakzai has the right to his views, personal attacks on the armed forces should be avoided. “The Pakistan Army does not belong to any single province or district. In this ongoing fight against terrorism, our soldiers face daily risks, and over 200 terrorists have been eliminated in Balochistan alone,” Asif said.He further stressed the sacrifices of the armed forces, saying, “Islam does not permit bloodshed. Our soldiers uphold their oath with their own blood. Politicians may switch parties, but these martyrs never change their loyalties.”
Highlighting the national role of the military, Asif added, “We fight for personal interests and power. Claiming the army belongs to only four districts is a highly irresponsible statement and a disgrace to this position. This is a war for the entire nation, not for any single district.”
He also cited attacks on Punjabi laborers, saying, “Workers are killed based on their identity cards, but this is not labeled as provincialism. Challenge my statistics if you can.”
The defense minister’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions over comments on the armed forces and their role in national security.
