JUI-F chief says state’s writ has collapsed in K-P and Balochistan, urges constitutional governance
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Photo: Facebook
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman launched a scathing attack on the government on Tuesday, declaring that the writ of the state has practically collapsed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, leaving citizens unable to travel safely even within their own home regions.
Addressing a press conference in Quetta, the veteran political leader warned that relying on raw force rather than political wisdom will never resolve Pakistan’s deepening crises. He insisted that those steering the nation are well aware of the ground reality, stressing that the only way forward is to govern strictly according to the Constitution.
Addressing the recent chatter around creating new provinces, Fazl cautioned against making top-down decisions without public consent. He emphasised that carving out new administrative units isn’t like slicing up a cake and warned that ignoring regional identities could trigger a strong public backlash. According to him, any major administrative change requires broad consensus and direct input from the people.
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Turning to opposition politics, the JUI-F chief urged Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) head Mahmood Khan Achakzai to step up as an opposition leader and convene a joint meeting of all opposition parties, noting that Achakzai represents far more than just a regional political voice.
Fazl also took a direct shot at Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi over recent remarks regarding system failures. He questioned why Naqvi remains in the cabinet if he genuinely believes the system isn’t working, suggesting that resignation would be the honourable course of action.
Reflecting on the country’s political history, Fazl argued that both Western-style democracy and military rule have failed in Pakistan primarily because genuine civilian politicians were never allowed the space to govern properly. He recalled how past military regimes repeatedly distorted the Constitution. While JUI-F engaged in negotiations over the 26th Constitutional Amendment to safeguard democratic norms, he voiced deep scepticism over what the government might try to slip into a potential 28th Amendment.
Clarifying his party’s position in Balochistan, Fazl firmly ruled out joining the provincial government, reassuring his supporters that JUI-F would continue its independent struggle. Regarding his recent meeting with National Party leader Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, he clarified that while they met to discuss political matters, he has no insider knowledge about Dr Malik potentially becoming the chief minister.
Dismissing calls for a change in political leadership, Fazl brushed off the demand for “new faces”, lightly remarking that the term belongs in the film industry rather than serious politics. While acknowledging the energy and emotions of the youth, he maintained that real political stability requires constitutional discipline and seasoned experience.
