Tahir Ashrafi says soldiers serve nation for sacrifice, not salaries

Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council Maulana Tahir Ashrafi has said that the men and women serving in Pakistan’s armed forces protect the country out of patriotism and a sense of duty rather than for financial rewards. He said the sacrifices made by security personnel should always be respected and honored.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi alongside members of the Paigham-e-Pakistan Peace Committee, Ashrafi said Pakistani soldiers stand on the country’s borders under extremely difficult conditions to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security.

He said many soldiers leave their homes after asking their mothers and families to pray for their safety and, if destined, for the honor of martyrdom. According to Ashrafi, no family willingly sends its children into dangerous situations simply for a salary. Instead, he said, members of the armed forces dedicate their lives to protecting Pakistan and its people.

Ashrafi stressed that the country’s peace, stability, and national security are matters of collective responsibility and cannot be compromised. He said every citizen should recognize the sacrifices made by soldiers who continue to defend the country’s borders despite numerous challenges.

He also expressed solidarity with the families of martyrs and said any remarks that undermine or disrespect their sacrifices cause pain to their loved ones. He emphasized that the dignity and honor of those who lost their lives while serving the country must always be preserved.

During the press conference, Ashrafi appealed to religious scholars, spiritual leaders, and representatives of minority communities to play an active role in promoting peace, unity, and social harmony. He urged them to work together to counter sectarianism, hate speech, and extremism through dialogue and cooperation.

He praised the Sindh government’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and said such initiatives help strengthen national unity by encouraging mutual respect among people of different faiths and religious backgrounds.

Also addressing the media, Allama Raghib Hussain Naeemi said meaningful dialogue between different religious schools of thought and communities can help reduce misunderstandings and build lasting peace. He added that a peaceful environment is essential for economic growth, investment, and national development.

Meanwhile, Mufti Abdul Rahim said there is a need to strengthen trust between the state and the public. He stressed that protecting the lives, property, and rights of minority communities is a constitutional and national responsibility. He also called for continued reforms in the curriculum of religious seminaries, saying education should promote tolerance, moderation, and responsible citizenship among students.