A local court in Gujranwala has summoned JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on July 28 in connection with a petition seeking legal action over his controversial speech.

Additional Sessions Judge Faisal Jameel heard the petition requesting the registration of a case. The petitioner argued that Maulana Fazlur Rehman's remarks could disturb law and order and urged the court to direct the police to register an FIR against him.

The court summoned Maulana Fazlur Rehman for July 28 and also directed the police to submit a report on the incident.

The controversy stems from a speech Maulana Fazlur Rehman delivered to party workers in Kasur, during which he said that military personnel serve the country and are paid salaries in return. His remarks sparked strong political and public reaction.

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Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Atta Tarar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, along with several political leaders and religious scholars, criticized the statement, saying it was inappropriate to associate the sacrifices of martyrs with salaries. They said the remarks had hurt the families of fallen soldiers and called on Maulana Fazlur Rehman to apologize.

Responding to the criticism, JUI-F leader and Maulana Fazlur Rehman's son, Maulana Asad Mahmood, said the party was unconcerned by the statements issued against it. He claimed such remarks were made under pressure and therefore carried no significance. "The public and history are on our side," he said, adding that they were not prepared to compare their stance with what he described as statements made under coercion.