Federal ministers, mainly from the ruling PML-N, strongly criticised Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman after he made remarks during a public gathering in Kasur regarding the sacrifices of security personnel.

While discussing the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Fazlur Rehman said that the martyrdom of soldiers was frequently highlighted, adding that military personnel received salaries to fight for the country.His statement prompted a sharp response from members of the federal government.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the remarks as unfair and morally insensitive, arguing that soldiers do not sacrifice their lives merely because they are paid.

He said their commitment is driven by duty, belief, patriotism and devotion to the homeland, and warned that such comments hurt the feelings of serving personnel as well as the families of martyrs.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also praised the sacrifices of fallen soldiers, saying their contribution could not be measured or turned into a matter of political debate.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed respect for Fazlur Rehman but urged him to avoid statements that diminish the significance of the armed forces' sacrifices.

He maintained that defending the country is a responsibility fulfilled at the risk of one's life and that reducing such sacrifices to financial compensation was neither fair nor consistent with ethical or Islamic principles.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also appeared to respond indirectly, saying the true meaning of martyrdom was beyond the understanding of ordinary salaried people.

The controversy has added to the ongoing political debate over the language used when discussing Pakistan's security forces and the sacrifices made by military personnel.