Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday made significant political statements during a press conference in Peshawar, where he emphasized that any potential political change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) should originate from within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rather than through external forces.
He stated, If there is to be a change in the province, it should come from PTI itself.However, he added that JUI-F would make any decisions about KP only after internal party consultations. This province cannot afford more instability, he warned.
PTI’s Reserved Seats Verdict Fuels Political Speculation
Fazlur Rehman’s comments come in the wake of the Supreme Court’s June 27 verdict declaring PTI ineligible for reserved seats in the assemblies. The verdict significantly shifted the political dynamics in KP, leaving the opposition alliance just 20 members short of securing a simple majority in the provincial assembly.
Speculation intensified after a meeting between KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 2, raising the possibility of a no-confidence motion against KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Although prominent PML-N leaders such as Khawaja Asif and Rana Sanaullah have dismissed such speculation, Governor Kundi did not entirely rule it out. We are not conspiring against the KP chief minister,he said in an interview with Geo News, but if we have even one extra member, it is our democratic right to table a no-confidence motion.
JUI-F’s Relations with Other Parties
Fazlur Rehman clarified his party’s stance on political alliances and rivalries, stating that while JUI-F has political differences with PPP, PML-N, and ANP, it does not bear enmity toward them. He also remarked that despite past tensions with PTI, there is no personal hostility. “There was a bitter phase, but that doesn’t define our relationship forever,” he noted.
He also expressed openness to talks if the opposition approaches him regarding the law and order situation in the province. “We are ready to sit and talk if they come forward sincerely,” he said.
FATA Merger Criticized as a Historic Mistake
A key highlight of Fazl’s press conference was his strong criticism of the former FATA’s merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, labeling it a “mistake.” He argued that the political future of the tribal people was sacrificed in the name of forced integration.
All political parties must now acknowledge that merging FATA with KP was not the right decision, he said, stressing that the matter should have been decided with full tribal consultation. We always said no to the merger until the tribes themselves could make an informed decision. That right was taken from them.
Fazlur Rehman announced that JUI-F would participate in a grand jirga of tribal leaders scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the future of the region and explore alternative governance options. Tribal elders’ input is not just valuable — it’s essential,he said.
He also questioned the legitimacy and inclusivity of the current government committee tasked with FATA-related matters. How many members of that committee are actual Pashtuns from the region? he asked. We were asked to submit a nominee, and the government recognized us as stakeholders, so we will continue to raise this issue.
Criticism of Governance and Resource Misuse
The JUI-F chief criticized the current governance model in KP, particularly the misuse of provincial funds. The only reason this money exists is to fuel privilege and perks, not for the betterment of the people,he said.
He also raised concerns about the lack of administrative access in the former FATA region, stating that even basic services like land revenue (patwari) systems have not been established eight years after the merger. How can you call this governance when not even a patwari can enter the area? he questioned.
Fazl’s Message on Solidarity and Human Rights
In a heartfelt statement, Fazlur Rehman expressed deep concern for the children affected by violence and neglect in KP and Balochistan. Whenever a child suffers in KP or Balochistan, I feel as if my own child has suffered,he said, showing solidarity with vulnerable populations in conflict-affected regions.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s press conference has added fuel to the ongoing political discourse in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While not calling for an immediate ouster of the ruling PTI, he clearly signaled the need for internal reform and opened the door to renewed political dialogue. His strong words on the FATA merger and tribal rights may also rekindle debates on regional autonomy and governance, just as the province navigates through a politically turbulent time.
