PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has launched a scathing critique against Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, accusing the veteran politician of hypocrisy, double standards, and avoiding accountability regarding alleged corruption and land occupation.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi Slams JUI Chief Fazlur Rehman
Addressing a press conference at the Governor House in Peshawar, Governor Kundi asserted that those who routinely lecture others on justice are themselves sitting on allegedly occupied properties. Taking a sharp jibe at the JUI-F leader’s political rhetoric, Kundi remarked that Maulana Fazlur Rehman enjoys political perks and privileges while attempting to bar others from similar benefits.
President Zardari’s Friendship Not a Shield Against Accountability
Addressing the rapport between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and President Asif Ali Zardari, Governor Kundi clarified that personal or political friendships do not equate to a shield against corruption investigations. He emphasized that President Zardari would not condone or protect unlawful actions simply due to political ties.
“Being associated with a political party, or being the son or brother of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, does not legitimize corruption,” Kundi stated, stressing that the law must apply uniformly to all individuals and that transparent inquiries must be conducted into any financial irregularities.
Scrutiny Over PDM-Era Ministries and NHA Allegations
Recalling the tenure of the former Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition government, Governor Kundi pointed out that JUI-F reaped the maximum political and administrative benefits during that period. He noted that the party secured its choice of key federal portfolios, including the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Housing and Works, and Communications, questioning the accountability behind the utilization of these major offices.
The Governor specifically highlighted public corruption allegations leveled against Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s son concerning the National Highway Authority (NHA). He maintained that these allegations warrant a thorough accounting, warning that political influence and familial stature do not grant immunity from legal accountability.
Governor Kundi’s hard-hitting remarks have reignited political debates surrounding the power dynamics between former coalition partners the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and JUI-F, thrusting issues of transparency and governance from the PDM era back into the national spotlight.
