Emergency in Former FATA Aimed at Seizing Mineral Resources, Alleges Maulana Fazlur Rehman
ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has criticised the imposition of an emergency in areas of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), alleging that the move is aimed at gaining control over the region’s mineral resources and opening Pakistan’s natural wealth to American investment.
Addressing a conference, Maulana Fazlur Rehman alleged that the emergency imposed in the former FATA region was tantamount to an attempt to take control of its mineral reserves.
He claimed that the issue went beyond mineral resources, alleging that agreements with the United States were being used to establish American influence over Pakistan’s resources and facilitate investment by foreign interests.
“You have made deals with the Americans. You are making America the owner of our resources and opening the way for its investment,” he said.
The JUI-F chief further alleged that the country’s rulers were prepared to make concessions in return for what he described as a small financial gain.
فاٹا میں جو ایمرجنسی لگائی گئی وہ وہاں کے معدنی ذخائر پر قبضہ ہے تم نے امریکیوں کے ساتھ سودے کیے ہیں چین اور روس کو بھی اس پر تحفطات ہیں تم منطقے میں غیر ملکی طاقتوں کو لا رہے ہو ! مولانا فضل الرحمان ۔۔ https://t.co/GVTIsmnZ9w
— AMJAD KHAN (@iAmjadKhann) October 15, 2026
Warning the government against such policies, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said he would no longer accept this kind of politics, stressing that Pakistan’s national resources and interests must not be compromised.
He also claimed that China and Russia had reservations about these developments, warning against bringing foreign powers into the region.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman maintained that decisions concerning Pakistan’s natural resources should prioritise national interests and the welfare of local communities, rather than serving the interests of external powers.
His remarks reflect his opposition to the government’s reported emergency measures and its engagement with foreign investors over the country’s natural resources. The allegations regarding the objectives of the emergency and the involvement of foreign powers were not independently substantiated in the available account.
