Mohsin Naqvi Should Clarify Whether His Remarks Reflect Personal Views or Government Policy, Says Fazlur Rehman

Quetta: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to clarify whether his recent remarks on the country’s political system and the creation of new provinces were made in a personal capacity or on behalf of the government.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Fazlur Rehman said JUI-F is not opposed in principle to the creation of new provinces but questioned whether the current circumstances are suitable for such a move. He argued that Pakistan is facing multiple political, economic, and security challenges that should take priority.

Criticizing the interior minister, Fazlur Rehman remarked that Mohsin Naqvi had “matured before his time” and said the government should explain whether Naqvi had consulted the prime minister before making his statement. He added that if the government believes the existing system has failed, Naqvi should either advise the government to resign or step down himself.

The JUI-F chief maintained that creating new provinces is an administrative matter that requires careful planning, broad consultation, and public consensus. Referring to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), he said the merger was implemented without adequately consulting the local population, a decision he claimed later proved problematic.

Fazlur Rehman also alleged that the debate over new provinces was diverting public attention from pressing issues such as inflation, insecurity, and governance. He emphasized that constitutional reforms and administrative restructuring should not be pursued without thorough preparation and national agreement.

Commenting on the political situation in Balochistan, he confirmed that JUI-F has decided not to join the provincial government, despite discussions with the chief minister. He said the party has not changed its position on remaining in the opposition.

The JUI-F leader urged Mahmood Khan Achakzai to convene an all-opposition meeting at the national level to discuss the country’s challenges. He said that if such a meeting is not called, JUI-F will organize an All Parties Conference (APC) to formulate a joint strategy.

Fazlur Rehman also criticized what he described as the weakening of democratic institutions, saying parliament has lost its effectiveness and that governments should derive their legitimacy from the people’s mandate. He stressed that Pakistan should be governed strictly in accordance with the Constitution.

Highlighting the role of his party, he claimed that JUI-F remains the country’s strongest political force at the grassroots level and advised young people to benefit from the experience of seasoned politicians rather than acting solely on emotion in times of political uncertainty.