A series of serious allegations concerning political and administrative affairs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has emerged, with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)’s central headquarters, Mufti Mahmood Centre in Peshawar, accused of illegal encroachment, occupation and exploitation of government land.
According to detailed survey reports by the relevant departments, significant portions of the party’s central headquarters have been constructed on government-owned land without legal authorisation. The administration has initiated proceedings to retrieve the land, with a major anti-encroachment operation expected at any time.
However, reports have also surfaced that JUI-F leadership is attempting to prevent the possible operation by placing religious seminary students, including young children, at the forefront of its resistance. The claims suggest that Maulana Fazlur Rehman has mobilised students from religious seminaries and gathered them around Mufti Mahmood Centre, using them as a human shield to protect the party’s political and personal interests.
The controversy took a more serious turn when Fazlur Rehman delivered an aggressive speech on the floor of the National Assembly, openly warning federal ministers and the provincial government against taking action.
Addressing the assembly, the JUI-F chief challenged the authorities, declaring that no force could dare demolish Mufti Mahmood Centre. He also issued stern warnings to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and the government, threatening consequences if action was taken against the premises.
During his fiery and provocative speech, Fazlur Rehman also appeared to acknowledge that madrassa students and young children had been positioned to protect Mufti Mahmood Centre.
His remarks have sparked further controversy, particularly over allegations of using religious seminary students in a political confrontation and exposing them to potential danger to protect disputed property.
The allegations have raised serious questions about the conduct of a political party that frequently speaks about religious values and moral principles. The reported occupation of government land, threats delivered from the parliamentary floor and the involvement of children in protecting the premises have drawn criticism.
Public representatives and child rights advocates are questioning whether innocent students enrolled in religious seminaries should be expected to act as security guards protecting property built on illegally occupied government land.
The principle of equal application of the law demands that illegal encroachments on state-owned land be removed without discrimination, regardless of the political affiliation or influence of those involved.
Critics argue that allegedly putting children’s lives at risk to prevent an anti-encroachment operation, while issuing threats to government officials, raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law and the authority of the state.
Attention is now focused on the federal and provincial governments and the relevant institutions to see whether they will proceed with the proposed operation at Mufti Mahmood Centre or back down in the face of political pressure and resistance.
