Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday strongly criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, claiming it came into being through rigging.

Speaking at a press conference at the Mufti Mahmood Centre in Peshawar, he said the province is plagued by lawlessness, terrorism, and state fragility.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman declared that the people of KP no longer feel safe, and the law and order situation has reached alarming levels.

“The current KP government is a product of a rigged mandate. In today’s circumstances, the common man finds it difficult to step outside,” he remarked.

He emphasised that his party does not recognise the authority of armed groups and condemned any form of militancy or violence in the name of Islam.

He also strongly condemned the recent killing of a religious scholar in Bajaur and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

Expanding on the security crisis, the JUI-F chief said that “terrorism rules in Balochistan, bandits control Sindh, and KP is in the grip of chaos.”

He added that these three provinces are now facing the worst law and order situation in the country.

“We do not accept any armed struggle or unconstitutional movement under the guise of religion,” he asserted.

On political developments, Fazlur Rehman confirmed that his party is in early-stage talks with both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), though no agreement has been reached regarding seat adjustments for the upcoming Senate elections.

Reflecting on past governance, he said, “When the JUI-F was in power in KP during 2010, the security situation was under control. Until 2006, the province enjoyed peace, and there wasn’t a single checkpost in sight.”

He said he wished to see positive change in the province, but noted that since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) currently holds a majority, any transformation should ideally come from within the party.

“We have political differences with PTI, but we are not enemies. If PTI changes its approach, dialogue is possible,” he said.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticised the FATA merger, calling it a “wrong decision” made without adequate debate.

“All parties were swept away by the moment,” he said, adding that the constitutional amendment was not in the national interest and should now be revisited.

He revealed that a senior official informed him that land records in the former FATA regions are being developed via satellite, which he warned could lead to further complications.

In conclusion, he stated that JUI-F will make any decision regarding KP in consultation with party leadership and hinted that an All Parties Conference (APC) may soon be convened to discuss the province’s deteriorating situation.