DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader and former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Friday urged Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to withdraw his remarks about martyrs, saying the sacrifices of security personnel should not be dragged into political discourse.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Gandapur said the martyrs belonged to the entire nation and their sacrifices for the restoration of peace deserved respect.

“The martyrs are our collective heroes. Their sacrifices should not become part of political rhetoric,” he said, adding that both the security forces and civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had rendered sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Mr Gandapur also criticised Maulana Fazlur Rehman on political grounds, claiming he had defeated the JUI-F chief whenever they had contested against each other in elections.

He further alleged that the Maulana had entered parliament through electoral irregularities. He also made allegations regarding the transfer of land purportedly allocated for martyrs. He did not provide evidence in support of these claims and there was no immediate response from Mr Fazlur Rehman or the JUI-F.

Calling for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his constitutional and legal rights, Mr Gandapur said restrictions on meetings with the former prime minister were unjustified and expressed hope that the courts would provide relief.

On foreign affairs, the PTI leader said dialogue with Afghanistana was the only viable way to resolve bilateral issues. He said the aspirations of the people of Kashmir should be respected.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2026