Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), says that there is effectively no functioning government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming that even where a government exists, it has no real control over the region.
Addressing Pakistan’s Parliament, he stated that in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, armed groups have taken over authority instead of the state, adding that fear prevents people from sending their children to school.
He said: “There is no government in our areas; in remote parts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, armed groups are present in mosques and local meeting places. People cannot send their children to school due to fear, and all aspects of life have come to a standstill.”
Fazlur Rehman further said that business activities have been paralyzed due to the presence of armed groups, forcing large numbers of people to migrate, while the government has ignored the situation.
He added: “I am connected to Dera Ismail Khan. Tank, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat are also my areas. I receive votes from these regions, but you should know that businesses have shut down and people are migrating in large numbers, while the government is not addressing what is happening.”
Earlier, opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai also described the situation in Pakistan as concerning, calling for a caretaker government and transparent elections.
He proposed that Pakistan should be governed under rule of law and democracy, with an independent judiciary, free media, and a military kept away from politics.
Political analyst Shahsawar Sangroal said: “The reality is that there is no effective government in these areas. Recently, not only civilians but also religious scholars are not safe.”
Analyst Ismail Zadran stated: “Local resistance groups have emerged. These are people whose families were killed by the Pakistani military, and they have risen against state oppression.”
Some observers argue that Pakistan has long lost effective control over parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a view better understood by politicians familiar with the ground situation.
Analyst Moin Gul Samkani said restoring security in these areas could improve relations with Afghanistan and contribute to broader regional economic and political progress.
Recently, insecurity has intensified again in southern districts and tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A market explosion in northwestern Pakistan killed nine people, including two police officers and five civilians, and injured 22 others.
Police said the blast occurred in Lakki Marwat, marking the second deadly explosion in tribal areas within four days, causing heavy casualties.
