A recent statement by Maulana Fazlur Rehman during a public address has sparked considerable debate across Pakistan. He remarked that soldiers of Pakistan’s defence forces who embrace martyrdom are salaried employees, implying that their sacrifices are compensated through salaries and official benefits. Such remarks deserve careful reflection because they concern not merely a political disagreement but the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs, the emotions of their families and the sentiments of the nation. At a time when Pakistan faces serious internal and external challenges, the sacrifices of those who defend the country deserve the highest respect and sensitivity.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a respected religious scholar and seasoned political leader who has every right to express his opinions and criticize government policies. However, political differences should never diminish the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs. Political disputes are temporary, but the honour of those who lay down their lives for the nation is permanent. Islam accords martyrs the highest spiritual status. The Holy Quran declares: “And never think of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:169). This divine message makes it clear that martyrdom cannot be measured by worldly compensation. No salary, allowance or financial package can equal the value of a life sacrificed for a greater cause.
The men and women of Pakistan’s defence forces do not merely perform a profession; they accept a calling that carries the constant possibility of death. From the icy heights of Siachen to the rugged mountains of Balochistan, from the valleys of Waziristan to the forward posts along the Line of Control, they confront terrorism, harsh conditions and hostile threats so that millions of Pakistanis may live in peace. Pakistan’s defence is a collective responsibility carried by all three armed services. The Pakistan Army safeguards the country’s frontiers and leads counterterrorism operations. The Pakistan Air Force has repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary courage and professionalism, from the battles of 1965 to modern security operations. Likewise, the Pakistan Navy protects maritime borders, ports and strategic sea routes, ensuring the country’s security at sea. Together, these institutions form the backbone of Pakistan’s national defence.
The truth is simple: a salary compensates for service, but it can never compensate for a life. No financial package can replace a son lost by a mother, a husband lost by a widow or a father taken from his children. The grief endured by families who sacrifice their loved ones in defence of the homeland cannot be measured in monetary terms. Pakistan’s history bears testimony to the courage of its defence forces. From the wars of 1948, 1965 and 1971 to Kargil and the long campaign against terrorism, thousands of officers and soldiers gave their lives to safeguard the country’s sovereignty. Their sacrifices helped preserve Pakistan’s independence in the face of persistent threats.
The fight against terrorism demanded even greater sacrifices. Personnel of the Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, police and other law-enforcement agencies laid down their lives combating extremism and violence. Many were young men with families, ambitions and dreams, yet they placed national security above their own lives. Their courage restored peace to many parts of the country and protected countless innocent citizens. The role of Pakistan’s defence forces extends beyond the battlefield. During earthquakes, floods and other national emergencies, military personnel are often among the first to reach affected communities, providing rescue, relief and medical assistance. Their dedication during humanitarian crises reflects a deep commitment to public service and national solidarity.
Democracy thrives on debate and criticism. Government policies and institutional decisions may be questioned and constructive accountability is essential in every democratic society. However, there is a clear distinction between criticizing policies and undermining the dignity of those who sacrificed everything for the country. If concerns arise regarding any institution or individual, they should be addressed through appropriate constitutional and legal channels rather than by casting doubt on the honour of the nation’s martyrs. Strong nations are built not only through economic progress and political stability but also through their respect for those who make the ultimate sacrifice. Honouring martyrs preserves the values of courage, patriotism, unity and national resilience. Their sacrifices remind future generations that freedom and security come at a heavy price.
As Pakistan continues to confront complex security challenges, the nation must rise above political divisions in honouring its martyrs. Governments may change, alliances may shift and political debates may continue, but the blood of those who gave their lives for Pakistan remains the foundation of the country’s freedom, security and dignity. We salute the soldiers of the Pakistan Army, the brave pilots of the Pakistan Air Force, the dedicated personnel of the Pakistan Navy and all members of Pakistan’s law-enforcement agencies who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. We also pay tribute to the mothers who gave their sons, the fathers who carried their coffins with pride and the families who continue to bear their loss with patience and courage. Political leaders will continue to differ on matters of policy and governance, as they should in a democracy. Yet one principle must remain beyond political contestation: the sanctity of the nation’s martyrs. They belong to all Pakistanis and their sacrifice will forever remain a symbol of the courage, unity and resilience on which the nation stands.
—The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad
