No Environment or Preparation for Creation of New Provinces, Says Fazlur Rehman

LARKANA: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that neither the political environment nor the necessary preparations exist in Pakistan for the creation or division of provinces, warning that such moves could lead to serious consequences if undertaken without proper groundwork.

Speaking to the media in Larkana, Fazlur Rehman said the issue of creating new provinces and dividing existing ones had been raised several times in the past. However, he maintained that provinces could only be created successfully when the required political environment and preparations were in place.

He said the resources allocated to provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment were already proving difficult to manage, adding that statements were being attributed to non-political individuals who, in his view, lacked the authority to make such pronouncements.

Fazlur Rehman said his party had previously led a major movement against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and had also worked alongside it during the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD). “There is no final limit in politics,” he remarked.

He further said he did not recognize the 2018 and 2024 general elections and stressed that no institution should interfere in the electoral process.

The JUI-F chief said politicians had compromised with circumstances in an effort to protect their governments and urged political leaders to remain steadfast and prevent interference in politics to strengthen their position.

Fazlur Rehman also reiterated his demand for the release of all political prisoners, saying his party did not support keeping any political figure behind bars. He said even the most vocal political opponent should be free.

He expressed concern over the prevailing law and order situation, saying insecurity had severely disrupted the lives of ordinary citizens across the country.