Resolution honors martyrs as opposition clashes over military, quorum and new laws in NA
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif speaking at the National Assembly session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. PHOTO: Facebook/ National Assembly of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD:
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly on Wednesday that Pakistan’s army does not belong to any province or district but represents the entire nation.
Responding to the remarks of opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who reportedly said that the army belongs to only four districts, Asif said: “While Mahmood Achakzai may maintain his views, he should not attack the army. The Pakistan army is not the army of any province or district. Its character is national.”
He said that in the last five years, 3,141 personnel have been martyred in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh.
“In this war against terrorism, we suffer losses every day,” he added.
Providing figures from 2021 to February 2026, Asif said, “From 2021 to February 2026, 170 officers have given their lives. Junior officers have given 212 and soldiers 2,759 martyrdoms.”
He said Azad Jammu and Kashmir accounted for 2,034 deaths. “From Balochistan, our forces have given 103 martyrs, and from Gilgit-Baltistan 161. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has seen 534, Punjab 1,657 and Sindh 452 sacrifices by our armed forces.”
Asif criticized what he called irresponsible statements by the opposition. “The leader of the opposition is a national office. Such an irresponsible statement demeans this position. This is a war for the entire nation, not a single district.”
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He warned lawmakers not to put politics before national unity. “Do not cross the line drawn in blood to protect personal politics. Mahmood Khan Achakzai may be imitated, but I have a long-standing relationship with him,” he said.
The minister said no place was safe and even mosques were no longer safe. He also questioned the lack of reaction to attacks on Punjabis in Balochistan. “When Punjabis are shot, there are rarely protests in Balochistan.”
And he added: “Those who sacrifice do not question; their first and last loyalty is to their country.”
Referring to Afghan migration, Asif said: “It is no longer a foreigner who sits in charge in Afghanistan; it is their own government made of Afghans, so they should return. The reasons for Afghan migration are over.”
“Every province has shed blood in the fight against terrorism. We have no differences regarding the Constitution and principles. We will answer for every drop of our blood,” he said.
Earlier, Achakzai told the House: “Pakistan is our country. We want our share according to population. We want our share in governance.”
He criticized previous comments about ethnic groups and provinces, saying: “When you call Afghanistan the fifth province, your relations cannot be correct. You said Bengalis are not suitable for the army.”
“You punished us for supporting democracy. You caused the economic self-destruction of the Pashtuns,” he said, adding that he would continue speaking out in favor of democracy.
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He questioned whether certain actions were intended to make martial law acceptable and praised armed forces personnel who “operate within the confines of the constitution.”
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar also criticized the government’s approach. “Why are they dragging the army into politics? They talked about giving a seat to Bajwa and then labeled him a traitor,” he said.
“The federal minister claims that the PTI is behind terrorism. Wherever the terrorists are, they are our enemies. Our houses were occupied and we are traitors? Those who speak against the army, are they you?”
Gohar accused Asif of giving an interview to a foreign broadcaster against the army and attacking the judiciary. “In the Kulbhushan case before the International Court of Justice, India took its stand. Do not use the support of the armed forces for political gains. Today, Khawaja Asif has created division,” he said.
The House unanimously passed a resolution honoring the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism. The resolution was presented by Asif.
The assembly also passed several bills introduced by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, including the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Narcotics Control and Disciplinary Authority (Amendment) Bill, the Prohibition of Unauthorized Use of Pakistani Names and Symbols Bill, 2026, the Guard House Documents Bill National (Amendment) Act 2026 and New Pakistan Housing and Development Authority. (Amendment) Bill 2026.
However, opposition members expressed concerns about the quorum. Opposition member Iqbal Afridi said the legislation without a quorum was unconstitutional and withdrew after pointing out that only 66 members were present, while 86 were needed.
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam also opposed the legislation.
The speaker said, “The quorum has already been identified and counted” and the procedure continued. Six bills were passed in eight minutes without a quorum.
The session was subsequently adjourned until 11 am on February 12.
