Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the Senate on Wednesday that JUI-F leaders had earlier approached the government asking for governor’s rule to be imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He made the claim during a heated session, directing his remarks at PTI senators seated in the House.
His comments drew protests from JUI-F lawmakers, including Senator Kamran Murtaza. The chair repeatedly asked members to stop talking over one another and to let the interior minister finish. The exchange came as Naqvi responded to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who had criticised him a day earlier, including over the purpose of Naqvi’s trip to Iran.
Naqvi’s claim about governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Naqvi referred to Barrister Ali Zafar, who was sitting in the chamber, and said JUI-F figures had once come to the government before governor’s rule was imposed. According to Naqvi, they had urged the government to impose it so they could be rid of them, a remark he made while referring to the party.
The session grew increasingly tense as Naqvi traded barbs with JUI-F members. Kamran objected to the remarks, while the chair called for order several times.
Denial of a defence pact linked to the Iran visit
Naqvi rejected the claim that Pakistani officials had travelled to Iran to negotiate a defence agreement. He said the visit was instead aimed at dealing with the ongoing regional crisis. “This was completely not a defence agreement,” he said.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had given him specific responsibilities linked to the crisis. “I do not go out of enthusiasm,” Naqvi said, explaining that he had been tasked with the current crisis of the war. He also said he had once held Fazl in personal regard, but accused the JUI-F chief of leaving little room for mutual respect. “Some things do not befit a politician,” he said.
Accusations of using religion and state benefits
Naqvi launched a sharp attack on JUI-F, accusing its leaders of using religion for political and personal gain. “They have used Islam for politics, they have used Islam for business,” he said, alleging that they invoked faith whenever it suited their interests.
He also accused the party’s leaders of benefiting from the state when it suited them and turning against it once they were denied a share of power. “For them, the state is a mother until the day they can squeeze the state,” Naqvi said. “When they do not get a share in the government, then [they] spit on the state,” he added.
Naqvi warned that such remarks would not go unanswered, saying a “line” had been crossed repeatedly. “If they do it, they will get an answer,” the interior minister said, as JUI-F members continued to protest his speech.
