ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s criticism of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in the National Assembly has sparked a political exchange between the two leaders. Referring to talks held in Tehran and questioning the defence minister’s absence, Fazlur Rehman repeated Asif’s famous remark, “Have some shame, have some decency,” prompting the minister to defend his position and hit back at the JUI-F chief.
What Did Fazlur Rehman Say?
Addressing the National Assembly on October 28, Maulana Fazlur Rehman referred to the talks held in Tehran and questioned why Pakistan’s defence and foreign ministers were in the country while important discussions were taking place in Iran.
Pointing towards Khawaja Asif, the JUI-F chief questioned the absence of the defence minister while discussions concerning defence-related matters were reportedly taking place in Iran.
In a sarcastic reference to Asif’s well-known political remark, Fazlur Rehman said, “Have some shame, have some decency,” urging the defence minister to consider his dignity and standing.
Fazlur Rehman also spoke about the country’s political situation, democratic processes and tensions between the government and the opposition. He called on both sides to engage in dialogue and proposed a new Charter of Democracy.
Khawaja Asif Responds
In response, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that the meeting in Tehran was not related to a defence agreement and that his presence there had not been necessary.
He said he wanted to respond to the remarks Fazlur Rehman had made about him in the assembly the previous day. During his address, Asif questioned the JUI-F chief’s political record, his relationships with different political parties and his role in previous governments.
The defence minister also criticised Fazlur Rehman over his tenure as chairman of the National Assembly’s Kashmir Committee and raised objections to his past political positions.
Referring to one of his own controversial statements from the past, Asif maintained that his position had been justified in the circumstances at the time, adding that he had subsequently apologised for his earlier remarks.
Heated Exchanges and Disruption in the House
Opposition lawmakers repeatedly interrupted Khawaja Asif’s speech. The defence minister said he had listened quietly to Fazlur Rehman’s address the previous day, but claimed that the JUI-F chief had made personal remarks against him.
Asif also launched a sharp criticism of Fazlur Rehman’s role in politics and his use of religion in the political sphere. He said he did not want to make further remarks that could aggravate tensions in the assembly.
The atmosphere grew more tense when opposition women lawmakers protested during his speech, prompting a strong reaction from the minister.
At this point, opposition lawmaker Alia Kamran pointed out the lack of a quorum. However, the required number of lawmakers was found to be present in the House.
The Background Behind the Famous Remark
The phrase “Have some shame, have some decency” is one of Khawaja Asif’s widely recognised political catchphrases. He used it during an earlier speech in the National Assembly, and it subsequently gained popularity on social media.
Fazlur Rehman’s decision to repeat the phrase while criticising Asif has drawn attention to the latest parliamentary exchange. The two leaders’ remarks highlighted their differences over the Tehran meeting, ministerial responsibilities, political history and the country’s democratic process.
