Army Belongs to Nation, Not Districts, Khawaja Asif Tells Achakzai

ISLAMABAD – Defense Minister Khawaja Asif strongly criticized Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai for his recent remarks about the Pakistan Army. He called the statement “irresponsible” and said it caused unnecessary distress. Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif emphasized that such comments undermine the sacrifices of soldiers who defend the nation daily.

He said Achakzai had claimed that the Pakistan Army is “an army of four districts,” which he described as highly misleading. Asif highlighted that the army belongs to the entire country, not any single province or region. He further stressed that soldiers risk their lives every day fighting terrorism, with over 200 terrorists eliminated in Balochistan alone.

Khawaja Asif added that Islam does not permit bloodshed and that soldiers uphold their oath with their own lives. He contrasted this with politicians, who may change allegiances, but martyrs remain loyal. “Our soldiers’ sacrifices are for the entire nation, not personal or provincial interests,” he said.

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The defense minister warned against provincial or ethnic misrepresentations of the military. He said that while Punjabi laborers are killed based on identity cards, no one labels this as provincialism. Asif challenged anyone to dispute the statistics, emphasizing the army’s national role in combating terrorism and maintaining peace.

Finally, Asif urged politicians to respect the military and refrain from making attacks that divide public opinion. He called the Achakzai statement a disgrace and reaffirmed that the war against terrorism is a struggle for the whole nation. He concluded that personal or political gains must never overshadow the army’s dedication and sacrifices.