Minister rebukes JUI-F chief for seeking ‘share’ in KP governance after imposition of governor’s rule, emergency

State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry scolded Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday for reportedly seeking a "share" in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's governance after the governor's rule and emergency were imposed in the province. Addressing the media in Jaranwala, Chaudhry clarified that the imposition of an emergency and governor's rule was not a political move aimed at bolstering the PML-N's presence in the province.

He emphasized that the setup was an administrative one, formed with a single agenda: combating terrorism. Chaudhry expressed his displeasure at the notion that the move was a "spoils of war" scenario. He rejected the suggestion that the federal government intended to establish a political setup in KP, stating that their intention was to restore peace and stability through an "immensely responsible" decision.

Chaudhry criticized Fazl for bringing up the 1971 separation of East Pakistan, suggesting it was an attempt to exploit historical grievances after losing the 2024 elections. He reiterated that only one member of the KP Advisory Council had a political background, representing families of martyrs. Chaudhry reiterated his willingness to work together with all stakeholders to implement the National Action Plan and combat terrorism.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also expressed disappointment over a "head of a party" being upset over not being appointed the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, referring to Fazl. The governor's rule and emergency in KP, imposed by the Centre due to the provincial government's "deliberate disengagement" from the fight against terrorism, have drawn criticism from the opposition, including Fazl.