KP Information Minister Defends Fazlur Rehman’s Patriotism, Urges End to Political Row
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan has defended the patriotism of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying that while the religious leader should not have made his recent remarks about the martyrs, his loyalty to the country should not be questioned.
Speaking at a press conference, Shafi Jan said the nation’s martyrs belong to everyone and are a source of pride. He added that although he disagreed with Fazlur Rehman’s statement, he supported the JUI-F leader’s criticism of Parliament, saying it had become “nothing more than a rubber stamp.”
The minister also called for an end to the ongoing exchange of press conferences against Fazlur Rehman, saying the issue should now be closed and the political leadership should move forward.
Commenting on regional affairs, Shafi Jan said the repatriation of Afghan refugees is a decision of the federal government and is being implemented by the relevant authorities. He stressed that issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, and diplomacy to promote peace and stability in the region.
He criticized what he described as contradictory federal policies, noting that while the border with Afghanistan remains closed, discussions are underway regarding trade with India.
The minister also highlighted the provincial government’s support for journalists, saying the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is committed to media welfare and freedom of the press. He said it is the only provincial government to have provided a Rs150 million grant to the Peshawar Press Club.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam said the provincial government has been working to strengthen Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s financial position in line with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision.
He alleged that the caretaker government backed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) had left the province in a weak financial condition, claiming only enough funds were available to cover government employees’ salaries for 15 days at the end of its tenure.
Aslam said the provincial government has restored the Sehat Card programme after it was suspended during the caretaker period and has spent Rs125 billion on the health initiative over the past three years.
He added that the province received Rs72 billion in net hydel profits over the past two years, spent Rs240 billion under the previous Annual Development Programme (ADP) against an allocation of Rs195 billion, and has already released 40 percent of the funds allocated under the current fiscal year’s ADP.
The finance adviser also said the federal government’s position on Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) funds remains unclear, while the provincial government has allocated Rs11 billion for the merged districts under the programme.
