In a recent address, Fazal-ur-Rehman accused the Pakistan Army of hiding the true number of soldiers killed during the Kargil War, claiming they left their martyrs in the hands of the enemy.
Chandigarh, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: Top Pakistani politician and Member of National Assembly (MNA), Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman, has hit out at the Pakistan Army just days ahead of the Kargil war anniversary, saying that Islamabad “left its martyrs in the hands of the Hindus.”
Speaking at a gathering, Rehman, who is the president of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, alleged that the Pakistan Army concealed its casualties during the 1999 Kargil War with India and, to date, has not publicly released the list of Pakistani soldiers killed in the conflict.
“I know how much respect you have for your martyrs. Can you tell us, have you told the country how many of our soldiers were killed in Kargil? And how many coffins of those killed did you receive? You left your martyrs in the hands of the Hindus, and a statement came from there that we have buried the bodies according to Islamic traditions. Different numbers are given, but it's in the hundreds,” Rehman said as per a video going viral on social media.
HT couldn't independently verify the timing of the video's capture.
He again repeated that the Pakistan establishment left the dead in the “hands of the Hindus.”
“You are not ready to receive the coffins of your martyrs. You handed them over to the Hindus,” he said, adding the story of one such officer, whom he identified as Captain Karnal Sher Khan. Capt Khan’s body, Fazal-ur-Rehman said, was received due to India’s insistence.
Rehman’s allegations stem from Pakistan’s behaviour after the 1999 Kargil war. Islamabad did not acknowledge at the time that its regular army was spearheading the campaign in the Kargil mountains. At the time, Pakistan said that it was the Kashmiri militants who had taken up arms against India.
India has always maintained that the Pakistan army’s regular soldiers were part of the infiltration. The bodies of the dead Pakistani soldiers were proof of India’s assertions, but Pakistan refused to acknowledge that they were Islamabad’s soldiers, and by extension, refused to accept their dead bodies.
The Kargil War was fought from May to July 1999 along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kargil district of Ladakh. The clash began when Pakistani soldiers, disguised as Kashmiri militants, covertly crossed the LoC during the winter to occupy fortified, high-altitude Indian military outposts.
India responded with a massive mobilisation known as Operation Vijay, successfully reclaiming all positions infiltrated by Pakistan and declaring a decisive victory on July 26, 1999. This historic triumph is commemorated annually across India as Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The Kargil conflict was significant not only for its immediate military implications but also for its long-term effects on Indo-Pakistani relations. The war brought to light the precarious nature of the Line of Control, a de facto border that has been a flashpoint between the two nations since their independence in 1947. The Kargil War also highlighted the role of international diplomacy in conflict resolution, as the United States and other nations intervened to urge Pakistan to withdraw its troops.
Fazal-ur-Rehman’s comments reflect a growing discontent among some political factions in Pakistan regarding the military's handling of the Kargil War and its aftermath. His remarks suggest a rift between the military establishment and political leaders who feel that the sacrifices of soldiers have not been adequately honored or acknowledged. This sentiment is not new; over the years, various politicians and analysts have criticized the military for its secrecy and lack of transparency regarding military operations and casualties.
Furthermore, the Kargil War has left a lasting impact on the psyche of both nations. In India, it is often viewed as a symbol of national pride and military prowess, while in Pakistan, it is a source of deep-seated grievances and questions about military accountability. The differing narratives about the war contribute to the ongoing tensions between the two countries, which have fought multiple wars and continue to engage in skirmishes along the LoC.
Rehman’s assertion that the army concealed the number of casualties is particularly poignant in the context of Pakistan's military culture, which traditionally emphasizes honor and sacrifice. The reluctance to publicly acknowledge military losses can be seen as an attempt to maintain the image of an invincible army, but it also raises ethical questions about the treatment of soldiers and their families.
In the years following the Kargil War, the Pakistani military has faced increasing scrutiny from both the public and political leaders. Calls for accountability and transparency regarding military operations have grown, especially as Pakistan grapples with internal security challenges and the evolving nature of warfare. The military's historical role in Pakistani politics and its complex relationship with civilian governance further complicate these discussions.
As the anniversary of the Kargil War approaches, Rehman’s comments may resonate with those who feel that the sacrifices of soldiers should be recognized and honored in a more open and transparent manner. His criticisms may also serve to galvanize political opposition to the military establishment, particularly among factions that advocate for greater civilian oversight of military affairs.
In conclusion, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman’s remarks about the Kargil War and the Pakistan Army's alleged concealment of casualties highlight the ongoing tensions within Pakistan regarding military accountability and transparency. As the nation reflects on the legacy of the Kargil War, these discussions may play a crucial role in shaping the future of civilian-military relations in Pakistan, as well as the broader narrative surrounding the country's military history and its impact on national identity.
The Kargil War remains a controversial chapter in the history of Pakistan and India, with its repercussions still felt in the political discourse of both nations. The differing perceptions of the war, its causes, and its consequences continue to fuel debates about national security, military strategy, and the role of political leadership in conflict management. For many in Pakistan, the Kargil War represents not only a military setback but also a failure of political leadership to adequately support and honor the sacrifices of its soldiers.
The implications of Fazal-ur-Rehman’s statements extend beyond the immediate context of the Kargil War. They reflect a broader struggle within Pakistan regarding the balance of power between the military and civilian institutions. As the country grapples with various socio-economic challenges, the military's historical dominance in politics has been increasingly questioned by segments of society that seek greater accountability and transparency in governance.
Moreover, the Kargil War has also influenced Pakistan's foreign policy, particularly its relationships with neighboring countries and international powers. The aftermath of the conflict saw a shift in how Pakistan engages with international allies, as the need for diplomatic support became more pronounced. This has led to a more cautious approach in military engagements and a focus on building alliances that can provide both military and economic assistance.
In light of these complexities, Rehman’s criticisms may serve as a catalyst for a larger conversation about the role of the military in Pakistan's political landscape. As various factions within the political arena begin to challenge the status quo, the potential for reform in military-civilian relations could reshape the future of governance in Pakistan. The Kargil War, therefore, not only serves as a historical event but also as a lens through which current political dynamics and military accountability can be examined.
As the anniversary of the Kargil War is marked each year, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the conflict and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the events that transpired. The ongoing debates surrounding military casualties, political accountability, and national identity are likely to continue shaping the discourse in Pakistan and India for years to come.
In summary, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman’s remarks about the Kargil War and the Pakistan Army's alleged concealment of casualties underscore enduring issues of military accountability and transparency in Pakistan. As the nation reflects on its military history and the sacrifices of its soldiers, these discussions may play a pivotal role in redefining the relationship between the military and civilian governance, ultimately influencing the trajectory of Pakistan's political future.
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