A single statement has sparked a nationwide political storm.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's recent remarks suggesting that soldiers fight for salaries rather than sacrifice have triggered fierce backlash from political leaders, social figures, and the public. But among all the reactions, one response stood out for its bluntness.

Former Punjab minister Fayaz-ul-Hassan Chohan threw an open challenge to the JUI-F chief, saying: “If working on Pakistan’s most dangerous borders is just a job for a salary, then he should send his own sons to experience it.

The Controversy

Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s comments, widely interpreted as linking the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs to their salaries, triggered the controversy. The comments quickly drew condemnation from across the political spectrum with many calling the remarks irresponsible, and regrettable and deeply hurtful to the families of those who gave their lives for the country.

In political and social circles, it was argued that monetizing the sacrifices of soldiers is an insult to patriotism and dishonours the martyrs of the nation.

Several leaders also urged the JUI-F chief to withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology.

Government’s strong Response

“Martyrs of Pakistan are the pride of the nation,” Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said and condemned the politicisation of their sacrifices.

“Soldiers are martyrs for Pakistan, its people and the oath they take to defend the country, not for salaries,” Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said.

Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Aun Chaudhry said the remarks were an insult to the martyrs and their families, while Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry said the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces were patriotism, faith, duty and selflessness.

Of all the reactions, perhaps the strongest came from Fayaz-ul-Hassan Chohan.

He challenged Maulana Fazlur Rehman to send his two sons to serve just two months on the Siachen Glacier or in Waziristan, two of the toughest and most dangerous postings for Pakistani soldiers.

'I will pay Rs20 million (Rs2 crore) from my own pocket to the two sons if they complete the deployment,' he said. He further said that if they accepted the challenge, he would accept Maulana Fazlur Rehman's argument.

The statement quickly drew attention on social media, with supporters calling it a strong pushback and others seeing it as just another example of the heated political rhetoric surrounding the controversy.

The debate once again demonstrated the sensitivity that surrounds any discussion of Pakistan’s armed forces and its martyrs in the country’s political arena. Criticism has continued to mount, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman is facing increasing pressure to either clarify or withdraw his remarks. Chohan’s dramatic challenge has become one of the most talked about responses in the ongoing debate.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)