KP governor calls on Maulana Fazlur Rehman to apologize over remarks about Martyrs

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to apologize to the nation and the families of martyrs over his recent remarks concerning those who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism.

In a statement, Governor Kundi described Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s speech about the martyrs as “deeply regrettable,” saying that his comments had caused pain to the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the country. He stressed that the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s security personnel and civilians should be respected and honored rather than questioned or diminished.

The governor said Maulana Fazlur Rehman owed an apology not only to the bereaved families but also to the entire nation. According to Kundi, the security and peace enjoyed by citizens today are the result of countless sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and ordinary civilians who became victims of terrorism.

Faisal Karim Kundi further stated that mosques, Imam Bargahs, and religious seminaries across the country continue to function peacefully because of the sacrifices made by the martyrs. He argued that without the efforts of security forces and those who laid down their lives, many parts of the country would still be facing severe threats from militant groups.

The governor also criticized the narrative presented by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, calling it harmful to the country’s interests. He claimed that such statements could strengthen anti-state narratives and provide encouragement to hostile forces seeking to destabilize Pakistan.

“We are effectively in a state of war against terrorism,” Kundi said, emphasizing that national unity is essential during such challenging times. He added that political leaders, especially those heading major political and religious parties, should avoid making statements that could create divisions or undermine the morale of those fighting against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also expressed disappointment over Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he described the comments regarding the martyrs as unfortunate and inappropriate.

The speaker said there is broad national consensus on the need to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan. He emphasized that political disagreements should never be linked to the issue of terrorism, as doing so could weaken the country’s collective resolve against extremist violence.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan further remarked that it was disappointing that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had not clarified or withdrawn his remarks despite the criticism they had attracted. He stated that the comments being made by the JUI-F chief were neither morally nor ethically justified and did not reflect the spirit of national unity required in the fight against terrorism.

The statements from both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor and the Punjab Assembly speaker highlight the political reaction to Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s controversial remarks. The issue has sparked debate over the importance of respecting the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives combating terrorism and maintaining a unified national stance against extremist threats.

As the discussion continues, political leaders have stressed that honoring the country’s martyrs remains a shared national responsibility and that public figures should exercise caution when speaking on such sensitive matters.