Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s allegation sparks protests from JUI-F lawmakers during a heated Senate session, as political tensions over governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the government’s Iran visit intensify.
WEB DESK: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi claimed during a heated Senate session on Thursday that leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) had previously approached the federal government seeking the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The allegation triggered protests from JUI-F lawmakers, including Senator Kamran Murtaza, as Naqvi addressed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senators and criticised JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his recent remarks about the government’s political and diplomatic decisions.
Naqvi’s allegation sparks Senate uproar
Addressing PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar, Naqvi alleged that JUI-F leaders had previously urged the government to impose governor’s rule in KP to remove the PTI administration.
His remarks drew immediate objections from JUI-F lawmakers. Senator Kamran Murtaza protested during the speech, while the presiding chair repeatedly called on members to maintain order and allow the minister to complete his remarks.
The allegation was reported by multiple Pakistani news outlets, but the reports did not independently establish whether JUI-F leaders had made the request described by Naqvi.
Dispute follows Fazlur Rehman’s criticism
Naqvi’s comments came a day after Fazlur Rehman criticised the government over the political situation in KP and questioned the purpose of the interior minister’s recent visit to Iran.
Fazlur Rehman had also challenged the government’s handling of governor’s rule and emergency measures in the province. PTI has separately called for the rollback of those measures, arguing that they have created a political vacuum in KP. The Thursday Times+1
Naqvi rejects claims of a defence agreement in Iran
During the Senate exchange, Naqvi rejected the suggestion that Pakistani officials had travelled to Iran to negotiate a new defence agreement.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assigned him responsibilities related to the ongoing regional crisis, adding that his visit was connected to those duties.
The remarks followed a similar clarification from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who said the Tehran discussions were intended to support peace efforts rather than negotiate a new defence pact.
Interior minister criticises JUI-F
Naqvi also accused JUI-F leaders of using religion for political and personal gain and alleged that their attitude towards the state changed depending on whether they benefited from the government.
The minister’s remarks further escalated tensions in the chamber, prompting continued objections from JUI-F lawmakers.
These statements reflected Naqvi’s political criticism of the party; they were not independently established findings. The Senate chair repeatedly intervened as members spoke over one another.
Political tensions over KP continue
The exchange comes amid a wider dispute over the federal government’s actions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI and allied opposition groups have demanded the reversal of governor’s rule and emergency measures.
The disagreement has also exposed divisions among political parties over the constitutional and political handling of the province.
The latest Senate confrontation adds to those tensions, although Naqvi’s allegation about JUI-F’s earlier position remains unverified independently.
