PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman asserted on Friday that any political transformation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) must originate from within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Addressing a press conference, Fazl emphasized that the province cannot endure further instability, adding that JUI-F’s decisions regarding KP would follow internal party consultations. He refrained from commenting on potential Senate adjustments, stating it was “too early” to speculate.
Fazl clarified that while his party has policy differences with the PPP, PML-N, and ANP, there is no animosity—extending the same stance toward PTI despite their contentious history. On law and order, he expressed willingness to engage in talks if the opposition initiated dialogue. However, his sharpest criticism targeted the merger of former FATA with KP, which he termed a “historic mistake.”
The JUI-F leader insisted that all parties must acknowledge the merger’s failure, stressing that the real issue is the political future of tribal communities, not the merger itself. He revealed that JUI-F had opposed the merger initially, advocating instead for tribal elders’ autonomy in decision-making. To address the matter, he announced a grand jirga of tribal leaders would reconvene soon, with JUI-F seeking their counsel. He also questioned the legitimacy of the government’s FATA committee, asking, “How many members are Pakhtuns or from KP?”
Fazl lambasted the misallocation of KP’s resources, alleging funds are exploited for personal perks rather than public welfare. He also voiced solidarity with oppressed children in KP and Balochistan, stating, “Whenever a child suffers there, I consider them my own.” Highlighting administrative failures, he noted that even eight years post-merger, no patwari (land official) has been deployed to ex-FATA regions, underscoring systemic neglect. His remarks reflect deepening political tensions over KP’s governance and tribal rights.