Summary Interior minister challenges Fazlur Rehman over controversial remarks about state institutions
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi sparked a heated exchange in the Senate on Wednesday, claiming that leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) had previously approached the government seeking governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Addressing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senators during the proceedings, Naqvi stated that JUI-F leaders had called for governor’s rule when it suited their political interests. His remarks triggered protests from JUI-F lawmakers, including Senator Kamran Murtaza, as the chair repeatedly urged members to maintain order and allow the minister to complete his speech.
“Barrister Ali Zafar sahib is sitting here. These are the same people who used to come to us before governor’s rule and say, ‘Impose governor’s rule and rid us of them’,” Naqvi said, referring to JUI-F leaders.
The interior minister’s allegation came as he responded to remarks made a day earlier by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, including claims concerning the purpose of Naqvi’s visits to Iran.
Senate uproar
The exchange intensified as JUI-F lawmakers objected to Naqvi’s accusations. Senator Kamran Murtaza protested during the speech, prompting repeated interventions from the chair, who asked members to avoid cross-talk and allow the proceedings to continue.
Naqvi said he had previously held Fazlur Rehman in high regard but argued that the JUI-F chief’s recent statements had undermined that respect.
“Some things do not befit a politician,” the minister said, insisting that political differences did not justify remarks he considered inappropriate towards state institutions.
He also accused some JUI-F leaders of using religion for political and personal gain, alleging that Islam was invoked when it served their interests. “They have used Islam for politics, they have used Islam for business,” Naqvi said during the exchange.
The minister further accused the party’s leaders of supporting the state when they benefited from it but turning against it when they failed to secure a share in government.
“For them, the state is a mother until the day they can squeeze the state,” he said, arguing that their attitude changed when political gains were no longer forthcoming.
“When they do not get a share in the government, then they spit on the state,” he added.
Naqvi warned that such remarks would receive a response, saying a line had repeatedly been crossed. “If they do it, they will get an answer,” he said as JUI-F members continued to protest.
Iran visit explained
Naqvi also rejected the suggestion that Pakistani officials had travelled to Iran to negotiate a defence agreement, describing the claim as incorrect and saying his visits were linked to the ongoing regional crisis.
“This was completely not a defence agreement,” he said, clarifying that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assigned him specific responsibilities concerning the conflict.
“I do not go out of enthusiasm. The prime minister has tasked me with the current crisis of this war and entrusted certain things to me, which is why I go,” Naqvi said.
The minister, however, did not disclose further details of the specific responsibilities assigned to him by the prime minister.
His explanation followed Fazlur Rehman’s remarks about the purpose of the Iran visit, which became a central point of contention during the Senate proceedings.
