Fazlur Rehman threatens ‘Islamabad March’ over tribal issues

PESHAWAR
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned of an Islamabad march to address tribal issues, emphasizing that while his party remains loyal to Pakistan and the Constitution, forced decisions will not be accepted.
Addressing “Pashtun Fata National Consultative Jirga” held in Nishtar Hall Peshawar, Fazlur Rehman stressed that the Pashtun people are a proud and independent nation, rejecting any negative labels.
He reiterated his continuous engagement in tribal jirgas, including during the merger of erstwhile FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He recalled that before the merger, tribal elders had sought a referendum to determine their future—whether to remain under the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), form a separate province, or merge with KP.
He lamented that the promises made to the tribal people, particularly peace and stability, remain unfulfilled.
Maulana stated that his party advocates peace and the Islamic system through parliamentary means but was often unfairly labeled as a “threat to national unity”.
He criticized Pakistan’s rulers for aligning with the United States instead of supporting Muslim nations, particularly in Afghanistan.
Warning against the exploitation of provincial resources, he declared that no government, foreign power, or military institution has the right to seize what belongs to the people.
“If trust is not restored and grievances remain unresolved, he vowed to take his movement to Islamabad,” JUI-F chief warned.
If protests can be held for religious seminaries, then an Islamabad march for tribal rights is also justified, warning that history will judge those responsible for oppression.
The participants of the Jirga decided to continue the movement and proposed that Maulana Fazlur Rehman invite all Pashtun political leaders to an All Parties Conference and engage with this Jirga to formulate an effective plan for national unity and future action.
The Jirga demands that trade and travel routes with Afghanistan be facilitated. It also calls for the reopening of old trade border crossings in Bajaur, Khyber, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Kurram, and other areas for commercial activities.