Fazlur Rehman Questions FATA Merger, Says Corruption Is Being Sought in His Kitchen and Generator

Addressing a Digital Media and Workers Convention organised by his party in Peshawar, Fazlur Rehman said political differences should be addressed through arguments rather than allegations and character assassination. He claimed that some people were even looking for corruption in his home's kitchen and generator.

He said the government had a responsibility to address the questions and concerns raised by political leaders and the public.

Fazlur Rehman questions FATA merger

Speaking about the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the JUI-F chief claimed that senior-level figures had directly told him the decision was wrong and that proposals were now being considered to reverse it and restore the tribal areas' previous administrative status.

He alleged that the original merger decision had been taken at the direction of a powerful force and suggested that similar interests were behind proposals to bring the tribal areas back under federal administration.

Fazlur Rehman said the issue at the time of the merger concerned the political future and constitutional rights of the tribal population, while the current debate was increasingly focused on the region's resources and economy.

He argued that despite a decade having passed since the merger, the settled administrative system had not been fully implemented. According to him, the system of qanoongo and patwari had not been abolished, disputes over the division of inherited properties remained unresolved, and the police system had not been properly organised.

He said past decisions should be assessed in the context of the circumstances in which they were made, while current problems should be addressed according to present-day needs.

Questions over administrative powers and tribal resources

The JUI-F leader also raised questions about the reported imposition of emergency measures and the distribution of administrative powers in the tribal areas.

He said emergency-related matters were being handled directly by the Interior Ministry, while the prime minister's direct role in matters concerning governor's rule was also being discussed. He added that a council had been established to oversee routine affairs and issue instructions, raising questions about the governor's role.

Fazlur Rehman alleged that tribal communities were being deprived of their economic rights. He called for transparent agreements between parties possessing resources and those providing technology, saying the region's resources should be treated as a trust belonging to its people.

Personal allegations and political criticism

Commenting on criticism directed at him, Fazlur Rehman claimed that religious scholars and party workers were being contacted and asked to make statements against him.

He said some people were searching for corruption even in his household affairs, including his kitchen and generator. He criticised what he described as an attempt to answer political arguments through personal allegations.

He said he continued to respect people who visited his home and that political disagreements should not turn into personal disputes.

Referring to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Fazlur Rehman described him as an elder brother and a respected figure. He said he had only teased Asif, but added that Asif's real anger became apparent the following day.

Responding to suggestions that he should move to Afghanistan, the JUI-F chief said he had no personal dispute with anyone and wanted answers to his questions as a citizen of Pakistan.

He also questioned the constitutional basis for governor's rule, calling for clarification of Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, which were being cited in connection with the matter. He said political changes must take place through constitutional procedures.

Fazlur Rehman recounts role in PTI negotiations

The JUI-F chief also discussed his role in efforts to negotiate with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

He said he had reservations about some of PTI's demands and the methods used during its long march. However, he later received contact from a government delegation and an invitation from the prime minister to meet.

Fazlur Rehman said he rejected a secret meeting and instead called for open dialogue involving the relevant parties.

According to his account, the prime minister presented a proposal to resolve the issue, which he subsequently discussed with PTI leadership while also putting forward his own suggestions.

He said there were initially hopes of reaching an agreement, but he later received a call from Ishaq Dar informing him that the cabinet did not agree with the proposals. Governor's rule was imposed afterwards, he added.

He said political negotiations depended on commitments and dialogue, arguing that politics could not function through false narratives.

Rejects allegations of leniency towards terrorism

Fazlur Rehman also rejected allegations that JUI-F had a soft corner for terrorism. He said political parties should be allowed to play their role freely and called for a healthy political environment.

Concluding his address, he said JUI-F could not be pushed out of politics through pressure or threats. He maintained that party workers would not be intimidated and that political disagreements should be addressed through democratic means.