ISLAMABAD:Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has responded to recent remarks by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying his presence in Tehran was not necessary because no defence agreement was being negotiated there and no discussions were taking place regarding Pakistan’s defence.
Speaking during a National Assembly session, Asif said the activities in Tehran did not fall within the Ministry of Defence’s jurisdiction. He maintained that Field Marshal Asim Munir had visited the Iranian capital as a messenger of peace and played a role in stopping a war.
The defence minister said the conflict in Yemen could have escalated further without diplomatic efforts. He stressed that Pakistan’s role, along with that of the field marshal, deserved international recognition for contributing to peace efforts.
Asif said he had participated in both recent defence agreements in his capacity as defence minister. However, he clarified that the activities in Tehran were unrelated to those agreements.
He expressed optimism about the prospects for peace in the Middle East, saying positive developments could emerge in the coming days. He added that the field marshal’s role was to advance peace initiatives and facilitate efforts to ease regional tensions.
Khawaja Asif questions Fazlur Rehman’s political record
Responding directly to Fazlur Rehman, Asif said the JUI-F chief had questioned his sense of shame and propriety. However, he argued that Fazlur Rehman should also reflect on his own political past.
The defence minister pointed out that Fazlur Rehman had held various positions over nearly four decades. He questioned what the JUI-F chief had achieved during his 10-year tenure as chairman of the National Assembly’s Kashmir Committee.
Asif described Fazlur Rehman’s political history as full of contradictions. He said no politician in the country could claim to be entirely free of controversy.
The minister also questioned Fazlur Rehman’s visit to Afghanistan, asking why he had accepted the invitation and what purpose the trip served. He asked whether the JUI-F chief had held the office of foreign minister at the time, arguing that the visit was intended to advance his political interests.
Asif said Fazlur Rehman had experienced periods of both disagreement and cooperation with the state. He added that, until recently, the two sides had been on the same page and had jointly pursued a no-confidence motion against the government.
Defence minister calls for unity
The defence minister accused Fazlur Rehman of making personal attacks while he had chosen to remain silent. He alleged that the JUI-F chief had used politics and religion as sources of personal gain.
Asif said he had been trying to prevent the dispute from escalating. However, he warned that he should not be forced to revisit past controversies.
He stressed that all political forces should unite on matters concerning Pakistan’s defence and national security.
Referring to Pakistan’s recent confrontation with its adversary, Asif said the country had defeated its enemy and argued that some political figures had been reluctant to acknowledge the achievement.
He maintained that national defence should remain a common priority, regardless of political differences, and called for greater recognition of Pakistan’s efforts to protect its security and promote regional peace.
