Senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the worsening security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, revealing that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s youngest son, Asjad Mehmood, narrowly escaped an armed attack on June 10. Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Maulana Haideri condemned the deteriorating law and order in KP, stating that “people are being picked up from national highways,” and lamented that the state appeared to have lost its writ in many areas. “There can be no justification for a state within the state,” he warned.
The JUI-F leader demanded clarity and accountability, questioning why his party and its leadership continued to be targeted. “What is our crime?” he asked. “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has survived three suicide attacks, my workers are being martyred, and our ulema are being hunted down across the country.”
Haideri also revealed that a young party activist was recently martyred in Balochistan, further illustrating what he described as a sustained campaign of violence against religious and political figures. “How many names should I list? There is no corner of the country where our people are safe.”
Criticising the federal budget, he said while the people were being burdened with excessive taxation, the state was failing in its fundamental responsibility to provide security. “If the parliament won’t hear our grievances, then where should we go?” he questioned.
Calling for a strong ruling from the chair, he demanded that the attackers of Asjad Mehmood be brought to justice without delay. He also expressed disappointment over the government’s inability to control criminal elements in Sindh, asking, “What ailment is this government a cure for, if it cannot secure its citizens?”
The fiery address highlighted mounting concerns over the safety of political leaders and the growing perception that large swathes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are slipping out of government control.
