Federal ministers criticized Maulana Fazlur Rehman for opposing the imposition of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the emergency measure was intended to address terrorism instead of pursuing political interests.
Chaudhry claimed Rehman linked the move to an alleged attempt to seize the province's mineral resources. The priority of the federal government is to restore peace and protect the public in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Chaudhry added.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) governed the province for 13 years, according to Chaudhry. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry described the decision as an administrative measure taken after evaluating other options to fight terrorism.
Chaudhry denied that the federal government intended to remove the PTI administration to strengthen the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) presence in the province. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) lost the election in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to the PTI, while the party was defeated by Mahmood Khan Achakzai's Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party in Balochistan.
Only one member of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa advisory council has a political background, Chaudhry noted. Mohsin Naqvi stated that the politician had relied on the establishment for decades and secured his party's tickets through it.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif accused Maulana Fazlur Rehman of supporting individuals who back terrorism. Rehman rejected the move and blamed the government for the failure of talks.
Rehman countered the claim that the PTI negotiating team repeatedly changed its position based on the chief minister's cues. Sharif stated she did not expect a senior politician who was a victim of terrorism to support those allegedly backing it.
The PTI provided terrorists with land, resources, shelter, and safe havens during their 13 years in power, Sharif alleged.
