PNN: Addressing the National Assembly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that the Pakistan Army is a national institution, not one tied to any province or district.
Responding to remarks by Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who purportedly said the army belongs to only four districts, Asif said: “While Mahmood Achakzai may hold his views, he should not attack the military. The Pakistan Army is not the army of any province or district. Its character is national.”
He said that in the past five years, 3,141 personnel have been martyred across 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 laid down their lives. Junior commissioned 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 criticised 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 of the entire nation, not of a single district.”
He cautioned lawmakers against putting politics above 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 that even mosques were no longer secure. He also questioned the lack of reaction over attacks on Punjabis in Balochistan. “When Punjabis are shot, there is rarely any outcry from Balochistan.”
He added: “Those who sacrifice do not question; their first and last loyalty is to their country.”
Referring to Afghan migration, Asif said: “No longer does a foreigner sit at the helm in Afghanistan; it is their own government made of Afghans, so they should return. The reasons for Afghan migration have ended.”
“Every province has shed blood in the fight against terrorism. We have no differences regarding the Constitution and principles. We will account for every single 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 criticised past remarks about ethnic groups and provinces, saying: “When you call Afghanistan the fifth province, your relations cannot be right. You had said Bengalis are not fit for the army.”
“You gave us punishments for supporting democracy. You caused the Pashtuns economic self-destruction,” he said, adding that he would continue to speak for democracy.
He questioned whether certain actions were meant to make martial law acceptable and saluted armed forces personnel who “operate within the limits of the constitution.”
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar also criticised the government’s approach. “Why are you dragging the army into politics? You spoke about giving Bajwa a seat and then labelled him a traitor,” he said.
“The federal minister claims that PTI is behind terrorism. Wherever terrorists are, they are our enemies. Our homes were occupied, and we are traitors? Those speaking against the army are you.”
Gohar accused Asif of giving an interview to a foreign broadcaster against the army and attacking the judiciary. “In the Kulbhushan case at the International Court of Justice, India adopted your stance. Do not use the shoulders of the armed forces for political gain. Today, Khawaja Asif has created division,” he said.
The House unanimously passed a resolution honouring the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism. The resolution was presented by Asif.
The assembly also passed several bills presented 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 Unauthorised Use of Names and Symbols of Pakistan Bill 2026, the National Guard House Documents (Amendment) Bill 2026, and the New Pakistan Housing and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026.
However, opposition members raised concerns over quorum. Opposition member Iqbal Afridi said legislation without quorum was unconstitutional and walked out after pointing out that only 66 members were present, while 86 were required.
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam also opposed the legislation.
The speaker said, “The quorum has already been identified and counted,” and proceedings continued. Six bills were passed within eight minutes without a quorum.
The session was later adjourned until 11am on February 12.