Fazal ur Rehman never demanded governorship, Rana Sanaullah says
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated that JUI‑F chief Fazal ur Rehman never sought the governorship from the government. Speaking on the ARY News programme On My Radar, Sanaullah explained that after the 2024 general elections the administration had wanted Fazal ur Rehman to join its alliance, but he declined the offer. He added that JUI‑F had only voiced its democratic opinions in parliament.
Sanaullah said the government had repeatedly warned that imposing emergency rule and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had become unavoidable, leaving no alternative. He described terrorism as a growing threat to the nation’s existence, noting that the current wave differs from the challenges Pakistan has faced over the past four decades. He accused India of financing terrorists in Afghanistan and supporting their training camps, claiming India remained frustrated after its defeat in the Marka‑e‑Haq operation.
The adviser urged national unity against terrorism, calling on the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) to stand with the armed forces and fulfil its constitutional and legal duties. He said the government remained ready to arrange meetings and hospital visits, which he characterised as political matters. Referring to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Sanaullah said Afridi should first honour his commitment to the state and cooperate with the government on terrorism before raising other demands. “He should come forward and work with us first; the other matters can be considered afterwards,” Sanaullah said, adding that Afridi should not make his participation conditional on being reinstated as chief minister.
He noted that the provincial assembly had been suspended by parliament for 60 days, after which parliament would review whether it could resume its functions. During negotiations, the government had urged the opposition to oppose terrorism for the sake of the state and the country’s survival. Sanaullah stressed that political parties must prioritize national responsibilities before presenting their own demands.
Criticizing PTI’s activities ahead of its long march, Sanaullah said the party’s visits to Punjab and Sindh had harmed both the party and its government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He advised PTI to abandon conditional demands, support the anti‑terrorism effort and then pursue its political agenda.
Sanaullah said he agreed with Faisal Vawda’s stance on backing the fight against terrorism but disagreed with Vawda’s remarks against democracy and political parties. He added that he had counselled Vawda to avoid such statements and clarified that Vawda was not, in his view, speaking for the government or the Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N).
On the proposal to create new provinces, Sanaullah said his party and the government regard the issue as complex and believe it should be debated in parliament. He urged all lawmakers to share their views before any decision is reached through consensus.