RAWALPINDI: Social leader and president of Taraqqi Pasand Falahai Tanzeem, Mohammad Aamir Siddiqui, has said that Pakistan is a great blessing and the outcome of the everlasting sacrifices of the forefathers.
Expressing complete solidarity with the Armed Forces of Pakistan, he said the nation stood united under the green crescent flag and would not hesitate to render any sacrifice for the defence of the motherland.
He said the ghazis and martyrs who had rendered sacrifices for the defence of the country were the pride of the nation, adding that the people were proud of their brave armed forces.
Referring to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Aamir Siddiqui said he was a seasoned politician and head of a political party, and had remained part of power on several occasions. He condemned Maulana’s recent statement regarding military martyrs, saying it was contrary to the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs.
Paying tribute to the martyrs, Siddiqui said martyrdom was a great status which could not be measured by worldly standards. He prayed that Allah Almighty grant patience and steadfastness to the heirs of martyrs and the ghazis.
He said linking the sacrifices of soldiers merely with their salaries was not only unfair but also hurtful to the martyrs, ghazis and their families.
“Can anyone lay down his life only in return for a salary? Certainly not. Such sacrifice is made because of immense love for the country, loyalty, sense of duty and ideology,” he said.
Aamir Siddiqui said describing the unmatched sacrifices of soldiers merely as compensation for employment was neither morally correct nor in line with Islamic teachings. He added that difference of opinion was everyone’s right, but respect for the status and sacrifices of martyrs was obligatory for all.
He said the Pakistan Army was a symbol of the nation’s dignity, security and survival, and the sacrifices of martyrs could not be diminished by any political statement. Respecting the defenders of the homeland and their families, he said, was a national responsibility.
Siddiqui said Pakistan existed and remained secure because of the sacrifices of martyrs. He stressed that a responsible attitude should be adopted in matters of national interest and that the sentiments of the families of martyrs must be respected.
He said Maulana Fazlur Rehman should explain and withdraw his statement. He also demanded that he apologise to the families of martyrs and the entire nation.
“Martyrdom is not a salary; it is the result of patriotism, faith and the spirit of sacrifice,” he said.
Aamir Siddiqui said criticism of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the sacrifices of martyrs was harmful to national unity. He added that national interest should be placed above every political interest, and the whole nation was united in respect for martyrs.
“Pakistan first. Pakistan Zindabad forever,” he said.
