LAHORE (Dunya News) — Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has criticised Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his remarks about martyrs, saying political differences over power-sharing should not be used to undermine the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking at a news conference alongside Punjab Provincial Minister Salma Butt on Sunday, Hayat condemned the reported remarks and said disrespect towards martyrs would not be tolerated.
He questioned Fazlur Rehman’s contributions to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and asked what measures had been taken to protect residents of the province.
Hayat said Fazlur Rehman should not make statements against martyrs over his alleged dissatisfaction with not receiving a share in power. He added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted answers about the steps taken to ensure their safety and well-being.
The press conference also addressed the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the political debate surrounding the province’s governance.
Salma Butt criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying its 13-year record in the province was open to public scrutiny. She alleged that terrorism had resurged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during PTI’s tenure.
Butt said the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism could not be denied. She stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate terrorism and called for the formulation and effective implementation of the National Action Plan.
Addressing the issue of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Butt said its imposition had not been anyone’s preference and was not considered a political solution. Rather, she described it as a measure taken out of necessity under the prevailing circumstances.
The remarks reflect continuing political differences over security, governance and responsibility for the resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.