ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Monday criticised Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his recent statements, accusing him of adopting a political narrative previously advanced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) out of frustration over being denied power.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, the minister questioned why the JUI-F chief was now echoing a narrative he had previously been criticised over by PTI.
He said PTI had previously levelled severe allegations against Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding several matters.
Abbasi said political power could only be secured through the people’s mandate, adding that voters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had rejected Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
He said political differences or disappointment over not securing power could not justify targeting national institutions.
The minister said the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had deteriorated under the previous PTI provincial government, with militants operating in more than a dozen districts.
He alleged that the provincial administration had failed to strengthen the police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), provide armoured vehicles and bulletproof jackets, or take adequate measures to protect the public from terrorism, drug trafficking and smuggling.
He maintained that the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency measures had become necessary to address the deteriorating security situation.
According to Abbasi, the measures had started improving law and order, reducing unrest and restoring confidence among foreign investors and visiting delegations.
Abbasi challenged Maulana Fazlur Rehman to present documentary evidence, including permits or agreements, to substantiate claims.
He also questioned whether past military operations, including the operation in Swat, had been undertaken for mineral or oil and gas interests, recalling that militants had once advanced as far as the Margalla Hills.
Abbasi strongly condemned any comparison between the sacrifices of the armed forces and their salaries, saying officers and soldiers laid down their lives to defend the country, its sovereignty and its ideological foundations. He stressed that personnel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Kashmir served together under one national flag.
He also urged Maulana Fazlur Rehman to exercise restraint and avoid remarks that could hurt the families of martyrs.
He further said Maulana Fazlur Rehman should substantiate his allegations with evidence rather than use political grievances to target state institutions, urging him to adopt a more responsible and measured approach.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
