ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday strongly rejected claims questioning the federal character of the Pakistan Army, reaffirming that the force is a truly national institution composed of personnel from all provinces, regions, and communities.
The minister’s remarks were a direct response to the opposition leader in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s comments, who claimed that the Pakistan Army belonged to only four districts.
In a speech in National Assembly, following the passage of a resolution paying tributes to the Armed Forces for their unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, Asif emphasised that the Pakistan Army is not tied to any single province or district.
“The Pakistan Army is a national army, representing every region of the country. It is not the army of any province or district,” he said.
The minister condemned Achakzai’s remarks as “highly irresponsible” and aimed at undermining the national institution.
He stated that Achakzai’s comments were a deliberate attempt to malign the Army’s character and disrupt national unity.
Asif highlighted the diverse representation within the Army, noting that its ranks include personnel from all parts of the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as from religious minority communities.
He pointed out that the Army’s identity is “federation-wide” and that it stands as a pillar of national unity.
In a detailed account of the Army’s sacrifices, Asif, once known as a staunch critic of the military, delivered a detailed account of the Army’s sacrifices, sharing stark statistics on the martyrs who have laid down their lives in the relentless war against terrorism between 2021 and February 2026.
A total of 3,141 personnel, including officers, junior commissioned officers, and soldiers, have embraced martyrdom in the fight against terrorism, he said, noting that these sacrifices span all regions of Pakistan, highlighting the Army’s national character.
Asif specifically mentioned the figures: 1,657 martyrs from Punjab, 534 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 452 from Sindh, 103 from Balochistan, 161 from Gilgit-Baltistan, and 2,034 from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He called out the opposition leader’s remarks as an insult to these sacrifices, especially in light of the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces from every part of the country.
Acknowledging the dignity of the opposition leader’s position, Asif urged political figures to avoid divisive rhetoric that could harm national sentiments, particularly as the country faces ongoing security challenges.
“Differences of opinion are a right, but national institutions and emotions should be respected,” he said, emphasising the collective responsibility of all citizens and leaders in safeguarding the country’s integrity.
Asif also reminded the House that elected representatives take an oath to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, and they must avoid statements that undermine the unity of the nation, particularly in such trying times.
Later, the House passed a unanimous resolution paying tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for their unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
The resolution, moved by Defence Minister Asif, reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to stand with the military in its efforts to ensure peace, security, and sovereignty.
The resolution hailed the bravery, professionalism, and dedication of the armed forces, stressing that the sacrifices of the martyrs would never be forgotten.
It declared full support for the military’s ongoing efforts to safeguard national security and maintain stability across the country.
In closing, Asif underscored the need for national unity and the collective responsibility of the people and leadership to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty, particularly in light of the sacrifices made by the nation’s military.
Speaking on a point of order, Achakzai sharply responded to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, reaffirming that he has never made emotional statements and stands by his words.
“I’ve been in this assembly since the 1990s. This isn’t about provincial representation in the army. It’s about the martyrs. We made the greatest sacrifices against the British. People here fought with them, against us.”
He also called for regional dialogue on terrorism, saying, “We must engage with neighbouring countries on terrorism.”
On democracy, Achakzai stated, “I will speak against those who oppose democracy. You punished us for supporting it and led Pashtuns to economic ruin. Is this parliament here to legitimise martial laws?”
He reiterated his respect for the military within constitutional bounds, adding, “Pakistan is our country, and we deserve our fair share, not based on prejudice. Nawaz Sharif once said granting citizenship to Afghans is not wrong.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026