Khalid Maqbool, Farooq Sattar say leaders should not undermine country’s image, exercise responsibility in statements
MQM-P leaders speaking at a press conference in Karachi. SCREENGRAB
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leaders on Thursday urged political figures to avoid making statements that could be used by Pakistan’s adversaries, saying political leaders had a responsibility to protect the country’s image and institutions.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said experienced political leaders should ensure their remarks were not exploited by the media of countries hostile to Pakistan.
“Is there any statement we could make that the media in a country hostile to Pakistan would highlight? Is there any statement we could make that would make our adversaries happy?” Siddiqui said. “If that is not the case, then I do not think any experienced, responsible political figure or national leader would make such a mistake.”
Siddiqui said political leaders should ensure that if their statements reached international media, they reflected positively on Pakistan rather than being associated with criticism of the state or its institutions.
“If our statements reach the international media, they should promote the country’s good name. They should not be associated with criticism of the state, the country or the institutions that protect it,” he said.
Referring to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Siddiqui said he hoped the veteran politician would clarify his remarks if, in his view, the choice of words had allowed Pakistan’s adversaries to take advantage.
“I am sure such an experienced and responsible political figure understands when his remarks become the focus of the media in a country hostile to Pakistan,” he said.
The remarks were made by the JUI-F chief during a recent public gathering, where his comments about the armed forces and the country’s martyrs drew criticism from political leaders and other quarters.
Also Read: Sharjeel Memon urges Fazlur Rehman to withdraw remarks on armed forces, martyrs
Siddiqui also praised Pakistan’s military leadership, saying it had protected both Pakistan and the wider region during recent tensions.
“It is the leadership of Pakistan’s armed forces that has not only protected Pakistan, but also contributed to the security of the wider region,” he said. “We should protect this respect and dignity, not undermine it.”
He added that safeguarding Pakistan’s political standing was the responsibility of political leaders, saying, “Our armed forces are fully capable of defending Pakistan’s borders, and the world recognises that. Protecting Pakistan’s political standing is our responsibility, and we must fulfil it with the utmost responsibility.”
Siddiqui said MQM-P would continue to stand by Pakistan. “Our slogan is that this country was created, and we will protect its sanctity, dignity and existence,” he said.
Speaking at the same press conference, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar said Pakistan’s international standing had improved and described the statement he referred to as “incomprehensible, unacceptable and unbearable”.
Sattar said international powers had shown confidence in Pakistan’s defence capabilities, diplomatic role and peace efforts under the country’s leadership. “I believe the international community has shown confidence in Pakistan. Now we must also earn the confidence of international investors,” he said.
He added that Pakistan’s economy was showing signs of recovery and that investor confidence was increasing. “The strength of Pakistan’s economy and the prospects for its recovery have become increasingly clear. The confidence of international investors is growing,” Sattar said.
Sattar said the recent statement had hurt people across Pakistan. “At such a critical moment, the statement that has been made is incomprehensible, unacceptable and unbearable… it has hurt the sentiments of 250 million people,” he said.
Read More: Fazl in hot water as pleas reach Punjab courts over remarks on martyrs
The remarks have sparked a growing political backlash, with senior government leaders accusing the JUI-F chief of belittling the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan publicly condemned the comments and demanded that Fazl apologise to the nation, saying no one should be allowed to undermine the sacrifices of the country’s martyrs.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the remarks as “morally insensitive”, saying soldiers did not lay down their lives merely for a salary but continued to fight terrorism at the cost of their own lives. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the sacrifices of the country’s martyrs were beyond political debate.
Meanwhile, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said reducing their sacrifice to financial compensation was “neither fair nor in accordance with ethics or Islamic teachings”. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Aun Chaudhry also urged the JUI-F chief to withdraw his remarks and apologise.
Meanwhile, petitions seeking criminal proceedings against Fazl have been filed in district courts across Punjab, with courts in Lahore and other districts seeking responses from the relevant authorities over the matter.
