ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam on Wednesday criticised Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his remarks about Pakistan’s military martyrs, calling the comments inappropriate and disrespectful to the sacrifices of the armed forces.
Speaking at a ceremony where political leaders from the Sehensa constituency of Azad Jammu and Kashmir joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Muqam said the armed forces defended the country out of patriotism and a commitment to sacrifice, not merely for salaries.
He said the nation remained proud of its martyrs and veterans and urged Fazlur Rehman, as a senior political leader, to avoid making statements that could undermine their sacrifices.
The remarks placed Amir Muqam and Fazlur Rehman at the centre of a fresh political dispute over public comments concerning the military.
PML-N Eyes Strong Showing in AJK Elections
Turning to the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, Muqam said the PML-N would continue to support party workers and the public after the polls.
He expressed confidence that the party would secure a two-thirds majority in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
Muqam said public confidence in former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was growing, and linked the joining of political figures to the party’s past performance and future plans.
Several leaders from Sehensa, including members of the Nawabi family, the Chaudhry Yaqoob family and other local political figures, joined the PML-N during the ceremony along with their supporters.
PML-N candidate Raja Asif said the new alignments had strengthened the party’s position in the constituency and invited Muqam to address an election rally in Sehensa.
Party leaders also claimed the PML-N was in a strong position across Kotli Division and expected to win several seats.
Muqam Calls for Peaceful Protest and Dialogue
Muqam said peaceful protest was a democratic right but warned that no one could be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
He said the government had tried to address the demands of the Public Action Committee through negotiations and dialogue.
Referring to the dispute over 12 refugee seats, the minister said talks had been boycotted instead of constitutional arguments being presented.
He added that there could be no compromise on the oath of allegiance to Pakistan.
Muqam also said proposed motorway and expressway projects would play an important role in the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
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