The interior minister alleged that the politician had relied on the establishment for decades to advance his political career.

LAHORE: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has criticised a senior political leader over the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), alleging that the head of a political party was upset over being denied the governorship and a role in the province’s new administrative setup.

Speaking to journalists in Lahore on Friday, Naqvi did not name the politician but appeared to refer to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has strongly criticised the federal government’s decision to impose governor’s rule in KP.

“The head of a party is extremely upset over being denied a role in the new setup in KP and not getting the governorship,” Naqvi alleged.

Naqvi Accuses Political Leaders of Relying on Establishment

The interior minister alleged that the politician had relied on the establishment for decades to advance his political career.

Naqvi further claimed that the politician had even depended on the establishment to arrange air tickets for members of his party.

He questioned the justification for such political figures to criticise the system after allegedly benefiting from it for years.

Emphasising the need for responsible political discourse, Naqvi said political differences were a normal part of democracy but urged leaders to avoid inappropriate language and unsubstantiated allegations.

He maintained that political leaders should present arguments based on facts rather than escalate political tensions.

Federal Government’s KP Governor’s Rule Decision Faces Criticism

Naqvi’s remarks came days after the federal government imposed governor’s rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing concerns over the provincial government’s alleged disengagement from counterterrorism efforts.

The decision has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including Fazlur Rehman, Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas of the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayin-i-Pakistan.

Political tensions between the federal government and the opposition had already intensified after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which was governing KP, announced a protest march to Islamabad to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.

Negotiations between the government and the opposition failed to produce a breakthrough before the imposition of governor’s rule. Fazlur Rehman had emerged as a potential mediator, with both sides reportedly holding separate meetings with him in an effort to resolve the deadlock.

Following the federal government’s decision, Fazl accused the Centre of reneging on its commitments despite his efforts to facilitate dialogue.

Fazlur Rehman Questions Federal Government’s Motives

Addressing a rally in Multan on Thursday, Fazlur Rehman again criticised the federal government, accusing it of depriving provinces of their constitutional rights.

He also recalled that his party had raised concerns over the merger of the former tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the 25th Constitutional Amendment in 2018.

Fazl clarified that his party had not opposed the merger itself but argued that the political future of the tribal population should have been considered and that the people concerned had not been adequately consulted.

He also questioned the federal government’s justification for imposing governor’s rule on the grounds of inadequate cooperation in counterterrorism operations.

Comparing the security situations in KP and Balochistan, Fazl argued that Balochistan was facing more serious challenges but had not been placed under governor’s rule.

He alleged that the federal government had taken control of resources belonging to the former tribal districts by imposing emergency measures in KP.

Fazl further suggested that the political circumstances of the provinces had influenced the Centre’s decisions, pointing to the PTI-led government in KP and the absence of similar action in Balochistan.

Naqvi Calls for Focus on Tribal Districts’ Rights

During his interaction with journalists, Naqvi also addressed concerns about the allocation of resources to the former tribal districts.

He questioned why political leaders had remained silent for years when, according to him, the districts were not receiving their rightful share of resources.

The minister argued that the rights of residents of the former tribal areas should be treated as a priority above political interests.

Naqvi also described the security situation in KP as serious and called on political leaders to support efforts to restore peace and combat terrorism.

He urged politicians to avoid actions that could fuel unrest, stressing that the province needed stability, improved law and order, and collective efforts to address security challenges.

Maryam Nawaz Criticises Fazlur Rehman

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz criticised Fazlur Rehman in a post on social media platform X.

Maryam said she did not expect a senior politician to support those who allegedly facilitated terrorism, in an apparent reference to the PTI, which the federal government has accused of backing terrorism.

She also accused Fazl of supporting the party instead of holding those responsible for the province’s problems accountable for what she described as incompetence, mismanagement and corruption.

The Punjab chief minister further criticised Fazl over his remarks concerning Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, apparently referring to his comments about the centralisation of power during his Multan address.

Maryam concluded by holding the PTI responsible for the end of its government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The exchange highlights growing political tensions between the federal government and opposition leaders following the imposition of governor’s rule in KP, with disagreements continuing over provincial autonomy, security policy and control of resources.