Fazl warns against creating new provinces without public consent

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday launched a strong criticism of the government, claiming that the state's authority has effectively broken down in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where people can no longer travel safely even within their own regions.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, the veteran politician argued that Pakistan's growing challenges cannot be addressed through the use of force alone. He said the country's leadership is fully aware of the prevailing situation and stressed that the only sustainable solution lies in governing strictly in accordance with the Constitution.

Commenting on proposals to create new provinces, Fazlur Rehman warned against imposing such decisions without consulting the public. He said forming new administrative units is a serious matter that requires public approval and broad consensus, cautioning that overlooking regional identities could provoke widespread opposition.

On opposition politics, the JUI-F leader called on Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai to take a leading role by bringing all opposition parties together for a joint meeting. He said Achakzai's influence extends beyond regional politics and carries national significance.

Fazlur Rehman also criticized Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi over his recent comments about failures within the system. He questioned why Naqvi continues to serve in the cabinet if he believes the system is dysfunctional, suggesting that stepping down would be the more principled decision.

Reflecting on Pakistan's political history, he argued that neither Western-style democracy nor military rule has delivered lasting success because elected political leaders have rarely been given the opportunity to govern independently. He accused past military governments of repeatedly undermining the Constitution and said that while JUI-F participated in discussions on the 26th Constitutional Amendment to protect democratic principles, it remains concerned about what the government could introduce through a possible 28th Amendment.

Clarifying his party's stance in Balochistan, Fazlur Rehman ruled out joining the provincial government, saying JUI-F would continue its political struggle independently. Referring to his recent meeting with National Party leader Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, he said their discussion focused on political issues but denied having any information about Dr Malik potentially becoming the province's next chief minister.