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Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fazl provides grist to rumour mill over K-P govt fate
Amid swirling rumours of a brewing "regime change" in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday threw his weight behind the idea of political change in the PTI-led province, but with a caveat that the change must come from within the ruling party itself. Dismissing the notion of backdoor manoeuvring, the Maulana asserted that the legitimacy cannot be handed down by "boots" but must stem from the will of the people. He further lambasted both the federal and provincial governments as having "sold out". "We do not want a government handed to us by the boots, we want one backed by the people." Addressing a news conference in Peshawar, the JUI-F chief said the law-and-order situation across the country was rapidly deteriorating. "Fresh news is always about some kind of unrest," he said, citing the recent killing of an ANP politician, Maulana Khan Zeb, in Bajaur, worsening instability in Balochistan and unrest in Sindh. "We know for a fact that the ruling elite is paying extortion money to extremist groups," he claimed. The JUI-F chief said that political change in K-P was essential, whether it comes from within the ruling PTI or through external political realignment. "My preference is change in the province. If it comes from within the ruling party, that's fine too," he added. Referring to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, he said, "If his children come to Pakistan, I have no objection," adding that politics involves differences, not enmity. "We may disagree with the PML-N, PPP or PTI, but we always keep the door open for dialogue, even the PTI people come and talk to me," he said. The Maulana further claimed the province enjoyed full peace during his government's tenure. "You could travel anywhere without incident. There were no police checkpoints. No terrorism. Peace prevailed," he recalled. He also called for an all-parties conference to discuss law and order. Regarding the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) merger with K-P, he said it was a "wrong decision" taken under pressure and signals, and all political parties must now admit it. "Everyone joined the bandwagon, thinking the FATA merger was a good idea. We kept saying it wasn't. Now, reversing that mistake is in the national interest," he advised. He expressed frustration that, even after eight years, FATA still lacked basic administration. "No patwari can go there even today. We were told land records are being compiled in FATA — when I asked how, I was told it's being done using satellites." The JUI-F leader pointed out that a grand tribal jirga was going to be held on Sunday, saying his party respected such forums. "We had always wanted decisions about FATA's political future to be taken with input from its tribal elders, not through unilateral decisions." He said his party had been recognised as a stakeholder in the government's committee on FATA, and that it had been asked to nominate representatives. "But how many members on the committee are actually from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or even Pashtun?" he questioned. "The province's money is only being used to appoint parliamentary secretaries and for luxuries. This is an extortion-backed, rigged government." When asked about jailed politicians, he said that no politician should be behind bars, "but yes, politicians do go to jail. However, political movements are not just about getting released, they are waged for great causes".
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Fazl wants ‘political change' in KP
PESHAWAR: Expressing his desire for change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) holds the majority in KP and any change in the province should come from within the party itself. Speaking at a news conference here on Saturday, JUI-F chief stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is suffering from insecurity, Sindh is under the control of criminals, and Balochistan is facing terrorism, while the rulers are extorting armed groups. How terrorism could be eradicated from the country; emphasising that this is a matter to ponder over now, Fazl questioned. The party chief suggested that change should come to the province, specifically from within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in KP. He claimed that during JUI-F's government, there was complete peace and order in the province; and any decision regarding change in KP would be made after consultation within the party. The JUI-F chief remarked that the KP government's majority is 'fake' and that the province cannot afford political turmoil. Terming the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as a wrong decision made without consultation, Fazl called for the reversal of this constitutional amendment in the national interest. He urged political parties to acknowledge that the FATA merger was a mistake. He suggested that those responsible should acknowledge their lack of political insight. Regarding the Senate elections, he said: 'I cannot comment on any adjustment yet, but future plans would be decided after consultations with jirgas, and all decisions would involve the consultation of FATA tribes. A grand jirga of FATA tribes is scheduled for tomorrow, he added. He said that whether the government regretted its actions or if it is merely a strategy to exploit FATA's natural resources. Fazl said, 'If I was satisfied with the federal government's performance, I would be part of it, but since assemblies have been bought, I cannot be part of corrupt government.' He further stated that differences among political parties are common, but they should not turn into personal enmities. He said that JUI-F would not recognise armed groups, suggesting that PTI could hold talks if it changes its attitude. He shared that young PTI workers visit him, sit with him, and ask him questions. To a question, he said he could not comment on seat adjustments regarding the Senate. Urging acceptance of the public's decision, Fazl said, 'The JUI-F will not come to power relying on anyone. If the JUI-F-led government comes to power, corruption and extortion will end. Talking about the PTI protests movement, the JUI chief said that the protest movement should be for a greater cause, not merely for the release of any individual. Fazl added that if any issues arise with the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP), they would sit together to resolve them, and an All-Parties Conference (APC) should be convened to address law and order concerns. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
ANP denounces Jirga system restoration
PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) central spokesman Engineer Ihsanullah strongly denounced the federal government's decision to restore the Jirga system, calling it an unconstitutional and regressive step that undermines provincial autonomy, justice, and democracy. The party central spokesman Engineer Ihsanullah in a statement here on Monday stated that the decision was a direct attack on provincial autonomy and an attempt to impose a tribal system on the entire province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He argued that the 25th Constitutional Amendment, which merged FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was a historic step towards integration and however, restoring the Jirga system undermined this integration. The ANP spokesman highlighted that the judiciary and judicial system were provincial subjects under the 18th Amendment. The federal government's move to impose Jirgas on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was seen as a violation of these powers. The party's leader pointed out that Jirgas had historically been used to deny justice to women, children, and minorities, and to impose informal punishments, which was against the principles of justice and equality enshrined in the Constitution. He reminded that the Supreme Court had already declared Jirgas and their punishments illegal in a 2020 judgment. The party demanded that the federal government respect this ruling. ANP demanded immediate dissolution of the committee formed to oversee the restoration of the Jirga system. The party insisted that any reforms or changes in the judicial system should be done in consultation with the Provincial Assembly. ANP suggested modernizing district courts to provide timely justice to rural areas and establishing special judicial benches for women and minorities. ANP viewed the restoration of the Jirga system as a regressive step that would push Khyber Pakhtunkhwa back into a dark age. The party vowed to oppose this decision in every forum and reaffirmed its commitment to building a modern, just, and constitutional province. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Merged districts of erstwhile tribal areas of KP: PTI rejects revival of jirga system
ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday rejected a federal committee tasked with reviving the jirga system in the merged districts of the erstwhile tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terming it unconstitutional and calling for its immediate dissolution. Speaking at a press conference, acting PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan – flanked by senior leaders Shah Farman and party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram – described the panel, led by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam and constituted on June 25, as an unconstitutional intrusion into provincial jurisdiction. 'After the 25th Constitutional Amendment, full authority over the jirga system in the merged districts of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) lies with the provincial government,' Gohar said. 'There is no legal basis for this federal committee.' He added that PTI had not participated in any of the committee's meetings and the restoration of the tribal jirga system was never formally discussed. Calling the erstwhile FATA areas extremely sensitive, Gohar demanded that the federal panel be disbanded without delay. He noted PTI's strong electoral presence in the region, pointing out that five of the seven MNAs and 14 of the 17 MPAs from the erstwhile tribal areas belong to the party. Party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram accused the federal government of unnecessary interference and claimed it had withheld over Rs70 billion in funds allocated to the former FATA. He questioned the rationale behind establishing a new jirga mechanism when one already exists. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman said the FATA merger in 2018 was carried out to bring development to the region, and legislation was enacted to empower elected representatives from FATA. He emphasized that funds and administrative responsibilities were to be handled by elected provincial representatives, not the federal government. He also stated that a review of the now-defunct Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) was under consideration, alongside efforts to align local governance with that of Pakistan's settled areas. He added that the merger had been completed through an agreement between the federal and provincial governments. 'The tribal people were, are, and will remain who they are… we cannot change their way of life,' he said. 'The privileges granted to FATA were meant to be enhanced, not reduced,' he maintained. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-P enacts Finance Act 2025
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governor has signed the Finance Bill 2025, officially enacting it into law. With the governor's assent, the bill has now become effective from July 1, 2025, implementing a series of new tax measures, amendments, and revisions aimed at expanding the province's revenue base. The new finance law introduces several notable changes, including the expansion of the existing tax net, exemptions for low-income individuals and small properties, and adjustments in various sectors to encourage formalization and compliance. As per the bill, property tax has been waived for houses smaller than five marlas, while professional tax on individuals earning up to Rs36,000 per month has been abolished. Similarly, the stamp duty on the allotment and transfer of residential and commercial properties has been reduced from two per cent to one per cent, aiming to facilitate property transactions and reduce costs for buyers and sellers. The bill also mandates that all vehicles across the province must now be registered in order to obtain permits, a move expected to streamline transport regulation. In addition, property tax exemptions have been extended to residential and commercial properties up to 4.9 marlas, while electric vehicles have been granted a token tax exemption until June 30, 2028. The hotel bed tax has been reduced from 10 per cent to seven percent. For rickshaw owners, specific penalties have been introduced for violations, and the professional tax on doctors and tailors has been lowered. The provincial government has asserted that no new taxes have been levied in the former FATA and PATA regions. However, the bill proposes strict penalties for any fraud, forgery, or manipulation of driving licenses, including imprisonment for up to two months or a fine of up to Rs100,000. Under the revised property tax regime, five to 10 marla houses in divisional headquarters will be taxed up to Rs3,000, and up to Rs2,000 in district headquarters. Properties ranging from 10 to 15 marlas will be subject to Rs3,500 and Rs3,000 in divisional and district headquarters respectively.
