Fazlul Rehman raises security issues in K-P and Balochistan

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman has expressed apprehensions about the challenging conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan adding, “It won’t be a big issue If elections are delayed for a few days”, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing a press conference at Dera Ismail Khan on Monday, citing incidents of violence, including attacks in Bajaur Tank and other regions, he questioned the viability of conducting elections without a thorough analysis of the current situation. He said that he did not see the February 8 elections being staged as the country’s security situation is not suitable for polls.

Earlier, the former MPA Aghaz Khan Gandapur announced to join Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI).

PDM head Maula Fazl Rehman stressed the need for a level playing field, not just for one political party but for both provinces, advocating for an equally peaceful environment.

He said that his party’s leadership had also come under attack in Waziristan and Tank, adding that he had raised concerns about the security in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

“Pakistan remained a theatre of terrorism and violence in the year 2023 amid internal political conflicts, socioeconomic disparities, regional instability, and rising tensions with the militant groups operating in border areas adjacent to Afghanistan,” he hinted.

“How can we run our election campaign in such conditions? I’ve asked the election commissioner to consider my request [of delaying polls], but he says that he’s praying,” the JUI-F head said.

While acknowledging the role of security forces in maintaining public order, he highlighted the challenges faced by common citizens and traders during heightened security measures.

He also shared his personal experience, mentioning a threat letter he received after holding a press conference in Islamabad. He revealed that even candidates from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) were distressed due to security concerns.

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 Any reduction in voter turnout, he warned, could pave the way for electoral malpractices.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized legal actions against Imran Khan's opponents, cautioning that such actions could jeopardize Pakistan's defense, survival, and stability.

Regarding the proposed visit to Afghanistan, the JUI-F head acknowledged the invitation but suggested postponing it due to the election-related tensions in the country.

Emphasizing cultural ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he called for an end to mistrust and animosity.

In the ongoing scrutiny of nomination papers, Maulana Fazlur Rehman noted that rejections were not exclusive to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidates, with multiple aspirants facing disqualification. Addressing the load shedding issue in Dera Ismail Khan, he assured a proactive approach across all platforms to find a resolution.

Reporter: Sajid Baloch