LARKANA: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that there is currently neither the political environment nor the necessary preparation in Pakistan for creating new provinces, warning that dividing provinces without proper planning could lead to serious consequences.
Speaking to the media in Larkana, Fazlur Rehman said the question of creating new provinces and dividing existing provinces had been raised several times in the past.
“Provinces can be created, but there is neither the environment nor the preparation for it in Pakistan,” he said. He added that when the necessary political environment and preparations were absent, the division of provinces could result in “destruction” rather than improvement.
Concerns Over Resources After 18th Amendment
The JUI-F chief also criticized what he described as attempts to undermine the distribution of resources granted to provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
He said the resources transferred to the provinces under the amendment were apparently proving difficult for some quarters to accept.
Fazlur Rehman also alleged that statements were being made through “non-political people” who, in his view, did not have the political standing to determine such major constitutional questions.
Criticism of Political Interference
Speaking about Pakistan’s political situation, Fazlur Rehman said he had previously led a major movement against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) but had also worked alongside the party during the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD).
He said political relationships and rivalries could change over time, emphasizing that “there is no final limit in politics.”
The JUI-F leader also said he did not accept the 2018 and 2024 general elections, reiterating his position that no institution should interfere in the electoral process.
According to Fazlur Rehman, political stability requires politicians to stand firm and resist interference.
Politicians Must Stand Firm
Fazlur Rehman argued that politicians had compromised with circumstances in the past in order to protect their governments and remain in power.
He said politicians could become stronger if they remained united, stood firm on their principles and worked to prevent interference in political affairs.
His comments come amid renewed debate in Pakistan over the possibility of creating new provinces or administrative units. Supporters of new provinces argue that smaller administrative units could improve governance and service delivery, while opponents have raised concerns about political instability, resource distribution and the potential consequences of dividing existing provinces.
Call for Release of Political Prisoners
Fazlur Rehman also spoke about political prisoners, saying that his party had called for the release of all political prisoners.
He said his party did not support keeping any political figure in jail, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Even someone who is our strongest opponent should be free,” he said, stressing that political differences should not result in imprisonment.
The JUI-F chief also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, saying that lawlessness and unrest had severely disrupted the lives of ordinary citizens.
He called for political and national efforts to restore peace and stability, arguing that the country’s political leadership should focus on resolving disputes through democratic and constitutional means.
Fazlur Rehman’s remarks come as political debate intensifies over constitutional reforms, provincial restructuring and the distribution of powers and resources between the federation and provinces.
His position suggests that any discussion about creating new provinces should first be accompanied by broad political consensus, constitutional preparation and a clear administrative framework. Without these elements, he warned, provincial restructuring could create more problems than it solves.
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