JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has refused to apologise for his recent remarks regarding security personnel, maintaining that his comments were aimed at those responsible for policymaking rather than the armed forces or state institutions themselves.

Addressing a lawyers’ convention in Islamabad, he rejected allegations that he had disrespected soldiers or martyrs and said a campaign was being carried out to misrepresent his position.

He stressed that he holds the highest respect for the sacrifices of security personnel and recalled that many members of his own party had also lost their lives to terrorism.

Fazlur Rehman argued that reminding institutions to remain within their constitutional limits should not be interpreted as hostility towards the state.He insisted that criticism of policies is a legitimate democratic right and that differences of opinion should not be portrayed as enmity.

The JUI-F chief also said he would not withdraw his remarks under political pressure, adding that facts could not be altered through public criticism.

During his speech, he raised concerns over the long-pending registration of religious seminaries, claiming that agreements made in 2004-05 had yet to be implemented.

He further alleged that the present government came to power through electoral rigging and claimed his party had declined offers to join governments in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Highlighting the worsening security situation in southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he called for an in-camera parliamentary session so lawmakers could be fully briefed on the seriousness of the terrorism threat.He concluded that constitutional supremacy, dialogue and sound policymaking remain essential for resolving Pakistan’s national challenges.