Pakistani Cleric Questions India Strikes; Defense Minister Khawaja Asif Steps In to Defend Army

Islamabad: Controversy erupted in Pakistan following remarks by prominent cleric and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rahman, who questioned the Pakistani military’s response to India’s recent strikes. Speaking from Lyari, Karachi, Rahman asked why India’s operations in Bahawalpur and PoK’s Muridke were condemned if Pakistan’s cross-border attacks on Afghanistan were considered justified.

Defense Minister Responds

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif responded on Tuesday, rejecting comparisons between Pakistan’s actions in Afghanistan and India’s military strikes in May. Asif argued that India has yet to provide evidence linking Pakistan to the Pulagam attack, while Pakistan has offered a fair investigation.

Asif defended Islamabad’s cross-border operations, emphasizing that the international community and the United Nations remain concerned about terrorism under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. He cited the presence of terrorist groups and cross-border infiltration as clear justification for Pakistan’s actions.

Direct Challenge to the Military

Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s comments posed a direct challenge to Pakistan’s army, sparking widespread attention across the country. The cleric questioned why Pakistan’s own cross-border strikes were justified while Indian actions were criticized. This unprecedented public questioning forced Defense Minister Asif to address the issue directly.

Asif stressed that Pakistan has consistently addressed doubts raised about India, its agents, or supporters, both in the past and present. He added that Pakistan’s successes against external threats have enhanced the nation’s global standing and respect.