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Khawaja Asif Rebukes Achakzai, NA Adopts Resolution Honouring Martyrs
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif condemns Achakzai’s “force of four districts” remark, shares martyr statistics, and NA passes resolution praising armed forces. Opposition defends its stance amid political tensions.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-11
Khawaja Asif Rebukes Achakzai, NA Adopts Resolution Honouring Martyrs

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif strongly criticized National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai over remarks suggesting the Pakistan Army represents only “four districts,” calling them “highly irresponsible” and an attempt to undermine the sacrifices of security personnel.

During the session, Asif stressed that the army is a national force representing all provinces, reading out province-wise personnel statistics from the 2023 census:

  • Punjab: 51.1% (mistakenly stated as 91.1%)
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 16.28%
  • Sindh: 20.52%
  • Balochistan: 6.04%
  • Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan: 2.54%
  • Minorities: 3.52%

He highlighted that over the past five years, 3,141 personnel—including 170 officers, 212 junior commissioned officers, and 2,759 soldiers—have been martyred fighting terrorism across the country.

Asif called the opposition leader’s statement “an attempt to belittle these sacrifices” and reiterated that the fight against terrorism is a collective struggle of the entire nation, warning against political agendas undermining national security.

He also mentioned the ongoing threats in areas like Tirah Valley, where soldiers face brutal attacks, and criticized politicians who pursue power over principles.

Resolution Honouring Armed Forces

The NA adopted a resolution moved by Asif, paying tribute to the armed forces’ “unparalleled sacrifices” and reaffirming national support for their efforts to maintain security, peace, and stability.

Opposition Response

Achakzai, joining the session midway, defended his statement, asserting that he would continue to speak against “enemies of democracy” and questioned whether Parliament should justify martial law. He also stressed that Pakistan-Afghanistan relations cannot improve while viewing the neighboring country as a “fifth province.”

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan criticized the government for blaming political parties for terrorism and accused it of “using the crutches of the establishment to rule the country.”

NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq clarified that sharing data on martyrs could not be considered divisive.

Legislative Activity

Amid the debate, the NA passed six bills despite a lack of quorum, with only 66 members present. Bills passed included:

  • Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025
  • Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026
  • Pakistan Names and Emblems (Prevention of Unauthorised Use) (Amendment) Bill, 2026
  • National Archives (Amendment) Bill, 2026
  • Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026
  • Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The session highlighted the ongoing political tensions over the army’s role, martyr recognition, and legislative priorities in Pakistan.
Tagged:

NationalAssembly

PakistanArmy

KhawajaAsif

MehmoodAchakzai
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