Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reacted to remarks made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying it is inappropriate to equate the sacrifices of military personnel with their salaries, as such statements hurt the sentiments of martyrs' families.

Khawaja Asif said that no one sacrifices their life merely for a salary. Rather, such sacrifices are made out of love for the homeland, a sense of duty, and commitment to one's ideals.

He added that personnel of the Pakistan Army, other security institutions, and civilians continue to lay down their lives in the fight against terrorism. In such circumstances, describing their sacrifices as being motivated solely by salary is neither fair nor appropriate.

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The Defence Minister further said that Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a senior politician and religious leader, and therefore greater care is expected from him in the choice of words.

He concluded by saying that while everyone has the right to hold and express differing opinions, statements that hurt the feelings of martyrs, war veterans, widows, and orphans should be avoided.