Fazlur Rehman Calls for Political Shift in KP, Terms FATA Merger a ‘Mistake’
PESHAWAR — July 12, 2025:
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), addressed an important press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, signaling the need for political changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and voicing strong opinions on regional issues including the controversial merger of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with the province.
Calls for Political Shift from Within PTI
Maulana Fazlur Rehman began his address by pointing toward a significant political development he believes should come from within the ruling party. “My suggestion has been made — there should be a change in the province,” the JUI-F chief declared, hinting at a possible internal shift within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government in KP.
However, Fazl made it clear that any decisions regarding JUI-F’s future course of action in the province would only be made after thorough intra-party consultations. He emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could no longer afford further political instability, especially at such a sensitive juncture when governance, law, and public welfare are at stake.
Too Soon for Senate Comments, Says Fazl
Speaking about upcoming Senate elections and any possible power adjustments in the upper house, Maulana Fazl was cautious and reserved in his response. “It is too early to offer remarks on any possible adjustments,” he said, referring to the fast-changing political dynamics after a major legal decision involving PTI.
His restraint appears to reflect the delicate balance being maintained by opposition parties, many of whom are monitoring the political atmosphere closely following the Supreme Court’s June 27 verdict, which declared PTI ineligible for reserved seats in assemblies.
Supreme Court Verdict Opens New Political Possibilities
The Supreme Court ruling significantly weakened PTI’s hold in KP, leaving the opposition alliance just 20 members short of forming a simple majority in the provincial assembly. This has encouraged speculation and strategic meetings at the federal level.
A notable meeting between KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 2 further ignited political chatter. Many political observers believe that Islamabad is considering options for reshaping the provincial power structure.
Despite these discussions, senior leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), including Khawaja Asif and Rana Sanaullah, have denied any immediate plans to move a no-confidence motion against KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Governor Kundi Hints at Possibilities
Governor Kundi, while speaking to Geo News, left the door open for future developments. “We are not plotting against the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the day we have even one more member in the assembly, it will be our democratic right to move a no-confidence motion,” he asserted.
This subtle yet significant statement indicates that the federal government may not be actively pushing for Gandapur’s removal at the moment, but is certainly preparing for scenarios that may unfold if the numbers tilt in its favor.
Political Relations with Other Parties: Differences, Not Hostility
On his party’s political relationships, Fazlur Rehman clarified that while JUI-F holds differences with other opposition parties like PPP, PML-N, and the Awami National Party (ANP), those disagreements do not translate into hostility. “There is no enmity between PTI and JUI either,” he said.
He admitted that the past relations between PTI and JUI-F had witnessed bitterness but emphasized that the current political landscape required mature thinking, issue-based cooperation, and mutual respect to ensure stability and governance.
Willing to Hold Dialogue on Law and Order
Regarding the worsening law and order situation in parts of the province, Fazlur Rehman said that his party was open to dialogue. “If the opposition reaches out regarding the matter, I would be willing to sit and hold talks,” he stated.
The offer of dialogue is seen as a positive step in a region where violence, tribal conflicts, and security threats have made it difficult for successive governments to establish lasting peace and effective governance.
FATA Merger a ‘Mistake’, Says Fazl
Shifting his focus to a longstanding issue in the region, Maulana Fazlur Rehman once again reiterated his party’s stance on the FATA-KP merger. He described the decision as a historical mistake.
“All parties must accept that FATA’s merger was a wrong decision,” he said, pointing out that the real issue was not administrative boundaries but the political future and autonomy of the tribal people.
JUI-F has long opposed the FATA merger, arguing that the decision was made without proper consultation with tribal elders and local stakeholders. Fazl reiterated that his party had always advocated for decisions that respected the will and customs of the tribal people.
“We had said no to the merger proposal — the tribes must be given the right to decide,” he maintained. He announced that a grand jirga of tribal elders would reconvene on Sunday, and the party would once again seek guidance and consultation from them.
Tribal Voices Must Be Heard
The JUI-F chief was particularly critical of the composition of the government-formed committee tasked with handling FATA-related affairs. He raised questions about the representation of local stakeholders.
“How many Pakhtuns are there in this committee, and how many members are from the province?” Fazl asked, stressing that a committee about tribal affairs should reflect the cultural and ethnic makeup of the region.
He added that the committee had requested JUI-F to propose a name, which he said was an acknowledgment of the party’s significance as a legitimate stakeholder in FATA-related policymaking.
Misuse of Provincial Funds and Governance Gaps
Fazlur Rehman did not hold back in criticizing the misuse of provincial funds. “Our province’s money exists only so that perks may be taken,” he said, taking a direct jab at the ruling party’s fiscal policies.
He pointed out that despite years having passed since the merger, no patwari (land revenue official) has been able to establish operations in the FATA region. This, he said, highlights a complete breakdown in administrative integration and failure of governance mechanisms.
“How can you claim administrative success when basic land registration systems have not been implemented in eight years?” he questioned.
Solidarity with Oppressed Children in KP and Balochistan
In a heartfelt moment during the press conference, Fazl expressed deep sympathy with the suffering of children across KP and Balochistan. “Whenever a child suffers in KP or Balochistan, I consider them my own,” he said, emphasizing that political leaders must not remain silent in the face of human suffering.
He stressed that peace, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity should be the collective responsibility of every political party, and called on national institutions to pay special attention to the underdeveloped regions of the country.
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A Measured but Strategic Approach
Analysts view Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s statements as part of a broader strategic approach. By highlighting his party’s historical opposition to the FATA merger and taking a firm stand on governance failures in KP, Fazl is aiming to position JUI-F as a protector of tribal rights and a credible alternative in the province.
At the same time, his openness to dialogue and unwillingness to escalate political conflict with PTI or other parties demonstrates political maturity — a reflection that Fazl sees the value in consensus-building in the current political climate.
Conclusion: An Evolving Political Landscape
Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Saturday press conference offered key insights into the evolving political scenario of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. His call for change from within PTI, cautious approach toward Senate discussions, opposition to the FATA merger, and willingness for cross-party dialogue all suggest that JUI-F is preparing for significant political maneuvering in the months ahead.
The Supreme Court verdict, combined with growing dissatisfaction in KP over governance and regional integration issues, has created a fluid situation — and JUI-F appears ready to play a central role.
As the grand jirga of tribal elders meets again, and as opposition numbers inch closer to a majority in the KP Assembly, the possibility of major political changes in the province remains a real and tangible prospect.
Fazlur Rehman Calls for Political Shift in KP, Terms FATA Merger a ‘Mistake’
PESHAWAR — July 12, 2025:
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), addressed an important press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, signaling the need for political changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and voicing strong opinions on regional issues including the controversial merger of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with the province.
Calls for Political Shift from Within PTI
Maulana Fazlur Rehman began his address by pointing toward a significant political development he believes should come from within the ruling party. “My suggestion has been made — there should be a change in the province,” the JUI-F chief declared, hinting at a possible internal shift within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government in KP.
However, Fazl made it clear that any decisions regarding JUI-F’s future course of action in the province would only be made after thorough intra-party consultations. He emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could no longer afford further political instability, especially at such a sensitive juncture when governance, law, and public welfare are at stake.
Too Soon for Senate Comments, Says Fazl
Speaking about upcoming Senate elections and any possible power adjustments in the upper house, Maulana Fazl was cautious and reserved in his response. “It is too early to offer remarks on any possible adjustments,” he said, referring to the fast-changing political dynamics after a major legal decision involving PTI.
His restraint appears to reflect the delicate balance being maintained by opposition parties, many of whom are monitoring the political atmosphere closely following the Supreme Court’s June 27 verdict, which declared PTI ineligible for reserved seats in assemblies.
Supreme Court Verdict Opens New Political Possibilities
The Supreme Court ruling significantly weakened PTI’s hold in KP, leaving the opposition alliance just 20 members short of forming a simple majority in the provincial assembly. This has encouraged speculation and strategic meetings at the federal level.
A notable meeting between KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 2 further ignited political chatter. Many political observers believe that Islamabad is considering options for reshaping the provincial power structure.
Despite these discussions, senior leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), including Khawaja Asif and Rana Sanaullah, have denied any immediate plans to move a no-confidence motion against KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Governor Kundi Hints at Possibilities
Governor Kundi, while speaking to Geo News, left the door open for future developments. “We are not plotting against the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the day we have even one more member in the assembly, it will be our democratic right to move a no-confidence motion,” he asserted.
This subtle yet significant statement indicates that the federal government may not be actively pushing for Gandapur’s removal at the moment, but is certainly preparing for scenarios that may unfold if the numbers tilt in its favor.
Political Relations with Other Parties: Differences, Not Hostility
On his party’s political relationships, Fazlur Rehman clarified that while JUI-F holds differences with other opposition parties like PPP, PML-N, and the Awami National Party (ANP), those disagreements do not translate into hostility. “There is no enmity between PTI and JUI either,” he said.
He admitted that the past relations between PTI and JUI-F had witnessed bitterness but emphasized that the current political landscape required mature thinking, issue-based cooperation, and mutual respect to ensure stability and governance.
Willing to Hold Dialogue on Law and Order
Regarding the worsening law and order situation in parts of the province, Fazlur Rehman said that his party was open to dialogue. “If the opposition reaches out regarding the matter, I would be willing to sit and hold talks,” he stated.
The offer of dialogue is seen as a positive step in a region where violence, tribal conflicts, and security threats have made it difficult for successive governments to establish lasting peace and effective governance.
FATA Merger a ‘Mistake’, Says Fazl
Shifting his focus to a longstanding issue in the region, Maulana Fazlur Rehman once again reiterated his party’s stance on the FATA-KP merger. He described the decision as a historical mistake.
“All parties must accept that FATA’s merger was a wrong decision,” he said, pointing out that the real issue was not administrative boundaries but the political future and autonomy of the tribal people.
JUI-F has long opposed the FATA merger, arguing that the decision was made without proper consultation with tribal elders and local stakeholders. Fazl reiterated that his party had always advocated for decisions that respected the will and customs of the tribal people.
“We had said no to the merger proposal — the tribes must be given the right to decide,” he maintained. He announced that a grand jirga of tribal elders would reconvene on Sunday, and the party would once again seek guidance and consultation from them.
Tribal Voices Must Be Heard
The JUI-F chief was particularly critical of the composition of the government-formed committee tasked with handling FATA-related affairs. He raised questions about the representation of local stakeholders.
“How many Pakhtuns are there in this committee, and how many members are from the province?” Fazl asked, stressing that a committee about tribal affairs should reflect the cultural and ethnic makeup of the region.
He added that the committee had requested JUI-F to propose a name, which he said was an acknowledgment of the party’s significance as a legitimate stakeholder in FATA-related policymaking.
Misuse of Provincial Funds and Governance Gaps
Fazlur Rehman did not hold back in criticizing the misuse of provincial funds. “Our province’s money exists only so that perks may be taken,” he said, taking a direct jab at the ruling party’s fiscal policies.
He pointed out that despite years having passed since the merger, no patwari (land revenue official) has been able to establish operations in the FATA region. This, he said, highlights a complete breakdown in administrative integration and failure of governance mechanisms.
“How can you claim administrative success when basic land registration systems have not been implemented in eight years?” he questioned.
Solidarity with Oppressed Children in KP and Balochistan
In a heartfelt moment during the press conference, Fazl expressed deep sympathy with the suffering of children across KP and Balochistan. “Whenever a child suffers in KP or Balochistan, I consider them my own,” he said, emphasizing that political leaders must not remain silent in the face of human suffering.
He stressed that peace, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity should be the collective responsibility of every political party, and called on national institutions to pay special attention to the underdeveloped regions of the country.
A Measured but Strategic Approach
Analysts view Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s statements as part of a broader strategic approach. By highlighting his party’s historical opposition to the FATA merger and taking a firm stand on governance failures in KP, Fazl is aiming to position JUI-F as a protector of tribal rights and a credible alternative in the province.
At the same time, his openness to dialogue and unwillingness to escalate political conflict with PTI or other parties demonstrates political maturity — a reflection that Fazl sees the value in consensus-building in the current political climate.
Conclusion: An Evolving Political Landscape
Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Saturday press conference offered key insights into the evolving political scenario of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. His call for change from within PTI, cautious approach toward Senate discussions, opposition to the FATA merger, and willingness for cross-party dialogue all suggest that JUI-F is preparing for significant political maneuvering in the months ahead.
The Supreme Court verdict, combined with growing dissatisfaction in KP over governance and regional integration issues, has created a fluid situation — and JUI-F appears ready to play a central role.
As the grand jirga of tribal elders meets again, and as opposition numbers inch closer to a majority in the KP Assembly, the possibility of major political changes in the province remains a real and tangible prospect.
