Khalid Maqbool and Farooq Sattar say leaders should not undermine country’s image and exercise responsibility in statements
MQM-P leaders speaking at a press conference in Karachi. SCREEN CAPTURE
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 had a responsibility to protect the country’s image and institutions.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P coordinator Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said experienced political leaders should ensure that their comments are not exploited by the media of countries hostile to Pakistan.
“Is there any statement we can make that the media of a country hostile to Pakistan will highlight? Is there any statement we can make that will make our adversaries happy?” Siddiqui said. “If that is not the case, then I do not believe that any responsible and experienced political figure or national leader would make such a mistake.”
Siddiqui said political leaders should ensure that if their statements reached the 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 must promote the good name of the country. They must not be associated with criticism of the State, the country or the institutions that protect it,” he stated.
Referring to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Siddiqui said he hoped the veteran politician would clarify his comments if, in his opinion, the choice of words had allowed Pakistan’s adversaries to gain the upper hand.
“I am sure that such an experienced and responsible political figure understands that his comments become the center of media attention in a country hostile to Pakistan,” he said.
The comments were made by the JUI-F chief during a recent public meeting, where his comments on the country’s armed forces and martyrs drew criticism from political leaders and other quarters.
Also read: Sharjeel Memon urges Fazlur Rehman to withdraw his comments on armed forces and 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 region at large,” he said. “We must protect this respect and dignity, not undermine it.”
He added that safeguarding Pakistan’s political position was the responsibility of political leaders and said, “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 discharge it with utmost responsibility.”
Siddiqui said MQM-P will continue to support Pakistan. “Our motto is that this country was created and we will protect its sanctity, dignity and existence,” he said.
At the same press conference, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar claimed that Pakistan’s international standing had improved and termed the statement he referred to as “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 must also earn the trust of international investors,” 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 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 time, the statement that has been made is incomprehensible, unacceptable and unbearable… it has hurt the feelings of 250 million people,” he said.
Read more: Fazl in trouble as pleas reach Punjab courts over comments on martyrs
The comments 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 apologize to the nation, saying that no one should be allowed to undermine the sacrifices of the country’s martyrs.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described the remarks as “morally callous”, saying the soldiers did not give their lives simply 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 Islamic ethics or teachings.” Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi and Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Aun Chaudhry also urged the JUI-F chief to withdraw his comments and apologise.
Meanwhile, petitions to initiate criminal proceedings against Fazl have been filed in district courts across Punjab, with courts in Lahore and other districts seeking responses from relevant authorities on the matter.
