GUJRANWALA: Additional Sessions Judge Faisal Jamil has summoned Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on July 28 in connection with a petition filed against him for making controversial statements targeting national security institutions.
The petition, filed by senior lawyer Manzoor Qadir, follows remarks delivered by the JUI-F chief during a public gathering in Kasur earlier this month.
In his speech, Maulana Fazl painted a grim picture of the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, claiming the state had lost control in parts of Balochistan and that Pashtun areas were “drenched in blood” with dozens of casualties in recent days.
He further questioned the role of civilians in countering armed groups, saying: “Why are you asking civilians to take up arms? I have never received a salary for that, so I will not raise a private force.”
On the sacrifices of security personnel, he remarked that while their martyrdoms are highlighted, they serve in uniform and draw salaries as part of their duty to defend the country.
The JUI-F chief also challenged the military’s alleged involvement in politics, stating: “If you want to do politics, then take off the uniform and contest elections. Then it will become clear how many votes people give to those in uniform.” He argued that political decisions should rest with the people through votes, not unelected quarters.
His comments drew sharp condemnation from government ministers, particularly Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, as well as Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar of the PML-N. They termed the remarks disrespectful to martyrs and their families, stressing that sacrifices of soldiers are rooted in patriotism and duty, not merely employment.
The controversy has since widened, with politicians across the country protesting against the JUI-F chief’s statement. A resolution was presented in the Punjab Assembly by the Utsav Pakistan Party, declaring Maulana Fazl’s remarks “provocative” and “against the national interest.” The resolution stated that such criticism of national security institutions was regrettable and could benefit enemy forces. It demanded legal action against those who tarnish the prestige of state institutions.
The case is scheduled to be heard later this month, with the JUI-F chief now formally summoned to appear before the court.
