A 2014 picture shows Pakistani soldiers patrol during a military operation against Taliban militants, in the main town of Miranshah in North Waziristan. Picture: Aamir QureshiI Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Asif has lambasted his country and government for not showing proper respect for its soldiers who are killed while serving the nation. His comments, reported widely in Pakistani media, sparked debate about national unity, the role of political leaders and how the country views its armed forces.
Asif, one of Pakistan’s senior federal ministers, told lawmakers that the nation’s political class sometimes fails to honour soldiers who lose their lives defending the country. He said that politicians often do not attend the funerals of fallen soldiers, choosing instead to focus on their own political interests. The defence minister’s comments were made in the National Assembly during a heated session in Islamabad.
According to reports, Asif said that the lack of proper recognition for the sacrifices made by soldiers reflects deeper divisions within Pakistani society and politics. He said that internal unity and respect for those who give their lives should be priorities for all leaders, regardless of their party. Asif described the situation as a serious concern, saying that Pakistan’s sense of national unity has weakened.
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He pointed to ongoing conflicts in areas such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces and soldiers face violent attacks from extremist groups. He argued that political leaders must show solidarity with the armed forces and not avoid solemn duties like attending funerals. His statement drew attention because it came from within the government itself, and because Pakistan has long faced criticism from its neighbours and international observers over issues related to security, militant violence and governance.
Asif’s remarks were seen by some commentators as an implicit acknowledgement of internal problems rather than just external threats. Asif also suggested that the nation needs to build a stronger sense of togetherness before it can effectively address external challenges. He said that Pakistan should first focus on fixing its internal divisions and ensuring that all citizens feel a part of the national project.
Without that, he argued, the country’s enemies and critics would find opportunities to exploit weaknesses. Political reactions to Asif’s comments were swift. Some members of parliament criticised him for making such remarks in the first place, while others argued that his statement was a necessary wake up call.
Supporters of Asif said he was pointing to a real issue about how the country honours those who serve, while critics said his comments could harm national morale at a time when Pakistan faces security challenges. The remarks also resonated more broadly because Pakistan has suffered numerous casualties in its long battle against terrorism and insurgency. Security forces and soldiers have been killed over the years in clashes with militant groups in various parts of the country.
Many Pakistanis view these fallen heroes as martyrs who deserve respect and remembrance. Internationally, the remarks were reported as an unusual and candid admission from a senior Pakistani official. Indian media picked up the story and highlighted Asif’s assertion that Pakistan was not honouring its soldiers properly, framing it as internal criticism of Islamabad’s policies.
The defence minister’s comments also came at a time when Pakistan is dealing with other security and political issues. The country has seen ongoing militant violence, and there have been debates within the political establishment about how to handle internal threats, relations with neighbouring countries and the balance of power between civilian leaders and the military. Asif’s speech in parliament emphasised that the army belongs to all regions and people of Pakistan rather than any single group.
He said that sacrifices made by soldiers should be honoured by the entire nation and should not be politicised or used for personal gain. He also criticised comments made by opposition politicians that he said undermined the nation’s unity and weakened respect for the armed forces. Asif urged political leaders to rise above partisan interests and focus on the larger cause of national cohesion and honour.
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