Defense Minister Khawaja Asif strongly criticized Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai for calling the Pakistan Army “an army of four districts,” calling the statement irresponsible and misleading in the National Assembly.
Asif emphasized that while Achakzai has the right to express his views, he should avoid attacks on the armed forces, which represent the entire nation and not any single province or district.
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Highlighting the sacrifices of soldiers, the minister said over 200 terrorists have been eliminated in Balochistan alone, stressing that Pakistan Army personnel risk their lives daily in the ongoing war against terrorism.
He added that Islam does not permit bloodshed and underlined that soldiers uphold their oath with dedication and loyalty, unlike politicians who may switch parties or pursue personal interests for power.
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Khawaja Asif further condemned the notion of labeling provincial identities in military sacrifices, stating that attacks on the army’s unity are disgraceful and undermine the collective efforts of the nation’s defenders.
The minister concluded that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism is for the whole country, and any statement reducing the army’s contribution to a few districts is highly irresponsible and harmful to national morale.