Creating New Provinces Is Not an Easy Task, Says Fazlur Rehman

Quetta: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that creating new provinces is not a simple matter and warned against raising such issues to divert public attention from the country’s pressing challenges.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Fazlur Rehman said there was nothing inherently wrong with the idea of establishing new provinces, but questioned whether Pakistan was currently in a position to bear the political and administrative burden. He stressed that any proposal for new provinces should be considered in light of the country’s constitutional and demographic realities.

Referring to recent remarks by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the JUI-F chief said such statements could not have been made without the prime minister’s consultation. He alleged that new controversies are often introduced to distract the public from the country’s real issues.

Fazlur Rehman also called on Mahmood Khan Achakzai to convene a joint opposition meeting to discuss the country’s political situation, adding that if such a meeting is not called, his party will organize a nationwide opposition gathering.

He criticized the current political system, saying democracy cannot flourish if governments are formed through undemocratic means. He argued that parliament has been weakened and emphasized the need to govern the country in accordance with the Constitution.

The JUI-F leader said Pakistan lacks a comprehensive national policy to address its challenges, leaving the public concerned about the country’s direction. He stressed the need for policies based on national interest and justice.

Fazlur Rehman also stated that JUI-F remains one of the country’s largest political forces and reiterated that the party had decided not to join the Balochistan government. He added that he had no prior knowledge of Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch becoming the province’s chief minister.

Commenting on the overall security situation, he said people no longer feel safe even in their homes and maintained that the country’s leadership is fully aware of the prevailing conditions. He argued that force alone cannot resolve national issues and expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Kashmir.

In a critical remark directed at Mohsin Naqvi, Fazlur Rehman said, “Naqvi Sahib is like a younger brother to us, but he has matured too quickly,” adding that his party would oppose any attempt to undermine the Constitution.