Fazl seeks change in KP but wants it to come from within PTI

PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has voiced its desire on Saturday to see a political change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but wanted it to emerge from within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Speaking at a press conference at Mufti Mahmood Centre in Peshawar, Fazl said the incumbent KP government is the result of a “fraudulent mandate.” The province was grappling with growing insecurity and political instability, and “cannot afford further turmoil,” he added.

“We desire a change in KP, but since PTI has the majority, it would be best if that change comes from within the party,” he said, adding that dialogue was possible if PTI altered its political behaviour.

He also called for an all-parties conference (APC) to discuss the prevailing situation in KP, and said consultations were under way to convene one soon.

The JUI-F chief said while his party may have political disagreements with others, it holds no personal enmity.

He confirmed that preliminary contacts had been made with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) but said no agreement had yet been reached on Senate seat adjustments.

Fazl also spoke about law and order across the country, noting that “terrorism grips Balochistan, Sindh is plagued by bandits, and KP is engulfed in unrest.” He strongly rejected the legitimacy of armed militias, calling their actions un-Islamic and unconstitutional.

He condemned the recent killing of Awami National Party’s (ANP) leader Maulana Khan Zeb in Bajaur, expressing solidarity with the bereaved family. He lamented that people in KP no longer feel safe, saying even venturing outside has become difficult for ordinary citizens.

The JUI-F chief claimed that the province had seen better times when JUI-F was in power, particularly until 2006 when “peace prevailed without the need for checkpoints.”

He also criticised the merger of former FATA with KP, calling it a hasty and flawed decision made without adequate debate. Land distribution efforts in the merged areas, reportedly using satellite mapping, were creating further complications, Fazl warned.