Khalid Maqbool, Farooq Sattar say leaders should not harm country’s image and show responsibility in their statements
MQM-P leaders speaking at a press conference in Karachi. SCREENSHOT
Leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday urged political figures to avoid making statements that could be used by Pakistan’s adversaries, saying political leaders have a responsibility to protect the country’s image and institutions.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said experienced political leaders should ensure that their remarks are not exploited by the media of countries hostile to Pakistan.
“Is there any statement we could make that would be highlighted by the media of a country hostile to Pakistan? Is there any statement we could make that would make our adversaries happy?” » said Siddiqui. “If that’s not the case, I don’t think an experienced and responsible politician or national leader would make such a mistake.”
Siddiqui said political leaders should ensure that if their statements reach the international media, they reflect positively on Pakistan rather than being associated with criticism of the state or its institutions.
“If our statements reach the international media, they must promote the good reputation of the country. They must 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) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Siddiqui said he hoped the veteran politician would clarify his remarks if, in his opinion, the choice of words had allowed Pakistan’s adversaries to gain an advantage.
“I am sure that such an experienced and responsible political figure understands that his remarks become the center of media attention in a country hostile to Pakistan,” he said.
These remarks were made by the JUI-F chief at a recent public meeting, where his comments on the country’s armed forces and martyrs drew criticism from political leaders and other quarters.
Read also: Sharjeel Memon urges Fazlur Rehman to withdraw remarks on armed forces and martyrs
Siddiqui also praised Pakistan’s military leadership, saying they had protected both Pakistan and the region as a whole during recent tensions.
“It is the leadership of the Pakistani armed forces who have not only protected Pakistan but also contributed to the security of the region as a whole,” he said. “We must protect that respect and dignity, not undermine it.”
He added that safeguarding Pakistan’s political position was the responsibility of political leaders, saying: “Our armed forces are fully capable of defending Pakistan’s borders, and the world recognizes this. Protecting Pakistan’s political position is our responsibility, and we must carry it out with utmost responsibility.”
Siddiqui said the MQM-P would continue to support Pakistan. “Our slogan is that this country was created and we will protect its sanctity, its dignity and its existence,” he said.
Speaking at the same press conference, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar said Pakistan’s international position had improved and termed the statement which he termed “incomprehensible, unacceptable and unbearable”.
Sattar said international powers had shown confidence in Pakistan’s defense capabilities, diplomatic role and peace efforts under the country’s leadership. “I think the international community has shown confidence in Pakistan. Now we need to gain the confidence of international investors as well,” he said.
He added that Pakistan’s economy was showing signs of recovery and investor confidence was increasing. “The strength of Pakistan’s economy and the prospects for recovery have become increasingly clear. International investor confidence is increasing,” Sattar said.
Sattar said the recent statement had hurt people across Pakistan. “At such a critical time, the statement that was made is incomprehensible, unacceptable and unbearable… it has hurt the feelings of 250 million people,” he said.
Learn more: Fazl in hot water as complaints reach Punjab courts over martyrdom remarks
The remarks sparked a growing political backlash, with senior government leaders accusing the JUI-F chief of downplaying the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan publicly condemned the remarks and demanded that Fazl apologize to the nation, saying no one should be allowed to undermine the sacrifices of the country’s martyrs.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called the remarks “morally insensitive”, saying soldiers were not sacrificing their lives just to earn 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 the 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 leader to retract his remarks and apologise.
Meanwhile, petitions seeking criminal action against Fazl have been filed in the district courts of Punjab, with courts in Lahore and other districts seeking answers from the relevant authorities on this issue.
